Dental Implants View Photos

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures.  Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist.  The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and enhance or restore a patient’s smile!

Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and are designed to last for life.

Reasons for dental implants:

  • Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
  • Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
  • Restore a patient’s confident smile.
  • Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
  • Restore or enhance facial tissues.
  • Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

What does getting dental implants involve?

X-rays or Computer Assisted Tomography (I-CAT) and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant.  While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate (become fused with the bone) for up to six months.  On occasion, as second minor surgery is required to uncover the dental implants so the permanent teeth can be attached.

Recently with the use of I-CAT and computer software, it has become possible to accurately perform implant surgery on the computer prior to the mouth.  A surgical guide is made based off of computers design which allows for accurate surgical placement of the dental implants.  This ensures the implant placement is minimally invasive and accurately performed.  Dr. Burghardt is trained to perform both conventional implant surgery and computer guided implant surgery using the Nobel Guide System.

Once integrated the implants can be used to hold fixed bridges which replace all the missing teeth, some missing teeth or individual teeth.  They can also be used to anchor removable dentures.

You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed.  Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.