Dental Implants

Dental implants are the optimal solution for replacing missing teeth. They are small, titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. These implants provide a strong foundation for the attachment of replacement teeth, such as individual crowns, bridges, or even full dentures. Dental implant placement enables a person the ability to eat virtually anything and retain their natural facial contours.

Smile with confidence,
eat your favorite foods again, and enjoy your life to the fullest.

Online Resources

New patients may register with our office prior to their appointment by filling out our secure online patient registration form. Or, check out our Dental Implant FAQs and patient testimonials.

How do Dental Implants Work?

Dental Implants look, feel and function like natural teeth. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown.

In replacing the tooth, we start by placing a small titanium implant into the jawbone which acts as the new root. We then allow some time for the jawbone surrounding the dental implant to heal.

Next, an abutment (support post) is placed on top of the implant

Then a new replacement crown (part that you eat with) is placed on top of the abutment.

Roll over the hot buttons on the image to get a better understanding of the anatomy of a dental implant.

Anatomy of a Dental Implant

Titanium Implant

Your oral surgeon places this piece into your jawbone. It acts as your new tooth root.

Abutment

This is the support post, connecting the implant to the crown.

Crown

Your dentist will create this crown, designed to match the rest of your teeth in color and size for the most natural appearance.

7 Benefits of Dental Implants

  • Natural Appearance: Dental implants closely resemble natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing smile.
  • Improved Chewing Ability: Dental implants allow for comfortable and efficient chewing, enabling you to enjoy a wide range of foods.
  • Longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last for many years, making them a durable and long-lasting tooth replacement option.
  • Preservation of Jawbone: Dental implants help preserve the jawbone’s structure and prevent bone loss, maintaining oral health.
  • Convenience: Dental implants are a permanent solution that doesn’t require removal, adhesives, or special cleaning routines like removable dentures.
  • Improved Oral Health: Unlike dental bridges, dental implants do not require modification of adjacent teeth, preserving the integrity of natural teeth.
  • Enhanced Confidence: Restoring your smile with dental implants can boost self-confidence and self-esteem, allowing you to smile and speak with assurance.

Schedule your consultation today!

I found Dr. Li on my insurance preferred provider list after my mother had failed dental implants done by a general dentist. I visited multiple doctors in order to find someone I could trust to re do my mother's implants. We finally visited Dr Li and after our initial consult with him, we decided he was perfect.

Caring for Dental Implants

Dental Implants are designed to potentially last a lifetime. With proper care, successful implants can function and look just like natural teeth. Your oral hygiene is very important, so it is important to brush and floss your implants just like you would natural teeth. You should also visit your dentist several times each year for hygiene and maintenance. As with regular dentures and other tooth replacements, your implants and their associated components are subject to wear and tear and eventually will need repair, including clip replacement, relines, screw tightening, and other adjustments.

Be sure to floss regularly to lengthen the life of your dental implants.

Dental Implant FAQs

An image of a Dental Implant

First and foremost, they restore your ability to chew and speak comfortably, just like natural teeth. They are designed to look, feel, and function like your own teeth, enhancing both your smile and your overall oral health.

Another significant benefit of dental implants is their ability to preserve the structure and integrity of your jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the underlying bone can start to deteriorate over time. By replacing the missing tooth root with a dental implant, it stimulates the surrounding bone, preventing further bone loss and maintaining facial harmony.

Yes! Your dental implant will feel, look, and operate just like your natural teeth. You will be eating all of the foods that you used to enjoy with your new, permanent tooth before you know it!

If the implant site is near the front of your mouth, we have a variety of temporary options such as bridges and transitional implants to get you through the healing phase. In some cases, the permanent tooth can even be placed (“loaded”) onto the implant at the same time as surgery.

Initially, our skilled oral surgeon will conduct a comprehensive examination of your mouth, including digital imaging, to assess your suitability for dental implants. If you’re a good candidate, the procedure can typically be broken down into three main phases:

Placement of the implant: Under local anesthesia, the titanium implant is precisely positioned in the jawbone during a minor surgical procedure.

Osseointegration: Over the next few months, a process called osseointegration occurs. This is when the implant fuses with the jawbone, creating a solid and stable foundation. During this time, a temporary restoration may be placed to maintain aesthetics and function.

Restoration: Once the implant has integrated with the bone, an abutment is attached to the implant. This abutment serves as a connector between the implant and the replacement tooth. Then, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is securely attached to the abutment, completing your new smile.

During the surgery, you will be properly anesthetized at all times – you won’t feel a thing! And after surgery, you’ll be relieved to know that most of our patients experience very little, if any, pain that is usually managed well with over-the-counter pain medications. Any necessary prescriptions will be discussed during your visit.

Dental Implant patient talking to her Oral Surgeon

Recovery from a dental implant procedure is typically smooth and well-tolerated. Any discomfort can be managed with prescribed pain medication. It is normal to experience some minor swelling and temporary dietary restrictions, such as sticking to soft foods for a few days. Our team will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to ensure a successful recovery.

Choosing dental implants is an investment in your long-term oral health and quality of life. They provide a durable and natural-looking solution that can last a lifetime with proper care. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing you with personalized care, ensuring your comfort, and delivering exceptional results.

Patients typically take anywhere from a few hours to a few days off of work, depending on the type of sedation, the implant site, and their pre-op health.

In some cases, we are able to place the implant and leave the soft tissue surrounding it as is. This way, we can avoid a second surgical procedure to uncover the dental implant during the abutment/restoration stage.

If you are missing many teeth, implant-supported dentures can give you a full arch of prosthetic teeth attached to just a few implants. This option is a great solution for those who need the number of teeth provided by a denture, but don’t want the hassle associated with it.

Dental implants have a success rate of up to 98% and the procedure has been around for decades, with continual improvements and discoveries made all along the way. The risks are very low, and closely resemble those of other minor surgical procedures (infection, injury to adjacent teeth, etc.).

Studies have shown that properly placed and well-cared-for dental implants can last as long as 25 years. Advanced technology and experience enable us to give you the very best shot at keeping yours for life!

Permanent restorations are placed as early as 1 and as late as 12 months following implant surgery, depending on your case.

We invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss Dental Implants further

Our compassionate staff will address any concerns you may have, explain the procedure in more detail, and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

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