One of the many reasons dental implants are a popular solution for missing teeth is that they look and function just like your natural teeth. From a conversational distance no one will ever know they aren’t your own. Not only are they natural looking, they are a very durable and permanent solution. In fact, there are studies that have shown that implants are actually stronger than your normal teeth.
Dental Implants Procedure
Dental implants are made up of two parts. The tooth root is made of a safe, titanium material. And the root is covered by a porcelain crown that is customized to match your natural teeth perfectly.
To begin, the tooth root will be surgically implanted into your jawbone. You can see this illustrated in the drawing shown to the right.
Then the porcelain crown is created to precisely fit over the tooth root. This is the portion of tooth that is visible above the gum line. Once the process is complete, the prosthetic tooth will look exactly like one of your existing teeth.
There is typically a healing period that takes place between the surgery and the restorative phases where your jawbone actually bonds with the root form in a process called osseointegration.
We offer complete care for the placement of dental implants and can perform both the surgical and prosthetic components in-house. Together, Dr. Slovan and Dr. Sexton have placed hundreds of implants.
Additionally, Dr. Sexton has over 35 years of experience and is recognized as a Fellow of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry. To learn more about his credentials, please visit the Meet Dr. Sexton page.
Benefits of Dental Implants
When you are missing multiple teeth or all of your teeth, there are many advantages in choosing implants. They are stronger than dentures or other removable appliances and look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. They will outlast any other option to replace missing teeth and patients agree that they are much more comfortable. Since the root is placed directly into your jaw, as shown in the image to the right, you will be able to eat and talk normally.
Another very important benefit of dental implants is that they prevent facial collapse. What happens when you are missing teeth is that your body senses that the jawbone is no longer needed to sustain the teeth. This results in bone loss and is often visible in long-time denture patients. Their face appears sunken in which makes them actually appear older than they really are. As this condition worsens, a denture may become very uncomfortable or even impossible to wear. If you would like to learn more, please visit our facial collapse page.
There are some disadvantages to consider with dental implants. There is a period of healing that is required between the surgical and restorative phases. Also, they can be more expensive than other removable appliances. That said, over time there are ongoing costs to maintain or replace dentures and bridges, especially when bone loss progresses. You can’t put a price on the self worth and permanence that dental implants offer.
Are you a Dental Implant Candidate?
Generally speaking, if you are in good physical health then you are most likely a candidate for dental implants. It is imperative that there be enough bone present for the implant to be placed. But if you are suffering from bone loss, we can perform bone grafting to build up your jawbone at the implant site.
If you are wondering if you are a candidate for dental implants, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation where we can evaluate and discuss your specific situation. Please give us a call today at 
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