Some Dental Implant Basics

IF YOU HAVE A MISSING TOOTH there are typically three options. You could get a bridge, which protects the surrounding teeth and helps keep them from moving. You can get a partial denture, which is a removable placeholder for the missing tooth. Or you can get an implant. A dental implant is a safe, permanent, aesthetically pleasing solution for a missing tooth.

You may be tempted to think that there’s a viable option #4 called “ignore it”. But that would be a mistake. Missing teeth can cause serious problems in your mouth including shifting teeth, additional tooth loss, deteriorating gums, and weakened bone structure.

How Implants Work

• Step 1: The implant process begins with a small rod (or “post”) that is anchored in your jaw. This post fuses to existing bone and imitates the function of dental roots.
• Step 2: Typically there’s a 3–6 month healing time to ensure complete and proper post fusion. During this time, a temporary crown protects your mouth, gums, and adjacent teeth.
• Step 3: After the area has fully healed, a custom crown is placed on the post.

Dr. Gottlieb Adds…

“As the technology for implants has grown, so has the success of them as well. Today it is the closest tooth replacement choice we can offer to replicate your natural teeth as far as function and esthetics.”

Implants Can Help Prevent Future Problems

If You’re Missing One Or More Teeth

If you’re missing one or more teeth, call us for a consultation. We’d love to visit with you, clearly explain all of your options, and answer any questions you have. Our team wants to be sure that you have a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.

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And again, thanks for the trust you place in our practice!