Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. They are typically made of titanium and are surgically implanted into the jawbone. Dental implants provide a long-lasting solution for people with missing or damaged teeth, allowing them to eat and speak normally and restoring confidence in their smile. The dental implant procedure involves multiple steps, which may include removal of damaged natural teeth. Dental implant surgery involves preparing the jawbone, placing the implant, allowing time for healing and osseointegration, placement of an abutment and the crown.

Here are some factors that can determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants:

1. Good oral health: To be a candidate for dental implants, you must have healthy teeth and gums. This means being committed to a daily oral health regimen of brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash. After replacing missing teeth, regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also important to maintain good oral health.

2. Sufficient bone density: Dental implants require sufficient bone density to provide a stable foundation for the implant. Dr. Mike will evaluate your bone density to determine if you have enough bone to support the implant or if a bone graft may be necessary.

3. Good overall health: Your overall health is also an important factor in determining if you can replace your missing tooth with a dental implant. Certain medical conditions or medications can affect bone healing and increase the risk of dental implant failure. Be sure to discuss any medical conditions or medications with Dr. Mike.

4. No smoking: Smoking can adversely affect the success of dental implants. Smokers are more likely to experience implant failure with their new artificial teeth. If you smoke, quit before having dental implant surgery to improve your chances for a successful outcome.

5. Commitment to aftercare: Dental implants require ongoing care and maintenance, including regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices. If you are committed to aftercare and willing to follow your Dr. Mike's instructions, you are a good candidate for dental implants.

Dental implants are prosthetic devices that are surgically implanted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. The dental implant procedure involves multiple steps, including:

1. Damaged tooth removal: If there is a damaged or decayed tooth in the area where the dental implant will be placed, it will need to be removed before placing the implant tooth.

2. Jawbone preparation (grafting), when needed: In some cases, the jawbone may not have enough density to support the implant. In such cases, a bone graft may be necessary to provide enough support for the dental implant.

3. Dental implant placement: A small titanium post is surgically implanted into the jawbone in preparation for the artificial tooth. The post acts as the root of the tooth and provides a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.

4. Bone growth and healing: The bone around the dental implant will gradually grow and fuse with the implant, providing a strong and stable foundation for the replacement tooth. This process is called osseointegration and may take a few months to heal completely.

5. Abutment placement: Once the bone has fully healed, an abutment is attached to the top of the implant. The abutment serves as a connector between the implant and the replacement tooth.

6. Artificial tooth placement: Finally, the replacement tooth, such as a crown, is attached to the abutment. The replacement tooth is designed to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.

The duration of a dental implant procedure can vary depending on several factors, such as the number of implants needed, and the patient's overall dental health. Generally, the surgical procedure involves several steps, including tooth extraction, bone grafting (if needed), and implant placement. Then bone growth and healing, abutment placement, and finally artificial tooth placement. The overall duration of the procedure can take months from start to finish, and often requires multiple appointments. The implant placement itself typically takes an hour per implant, but the bone-fusing stage can take several months.

A dental implant procedure should not be painful since it involves the use of anesthesia. However, after the procedure, patients may experience discomfort, swelling, and soreness. This can be managed with pain medication and antibiotics prescribed by Dr. Mike. Patients will need to eat soft foods, avoid hot foods for a period of time and perform saltwater rinses to promote healing.

Dental implants are designed to be a nearly final solution for tooth replacement, with a reported success rate of 90 to 95 percent over a period of 10 years.  Proper care, including regular dental checkups and cleanings, can help extend the lifespan of dental implants.

Proper oral hygiene is crucial during the healing period after implant surgery. The soft tissues around your implant need a clean environment to recover, and infections are the number-one cause of implant failure. Proper dental implant oral care involves brushing your teeth as you normally would, but avoid contact with the implant for the first few days after surgery. After the healing period, you should continue to brush and floss your teeth as usual. Be gentle around the dental implants to avoid damaging the soft tissues.

Regular professional cleanings are also important to maintain the health of your natural teeth and dental implant. Dr. Mike and his staff will clean your implant and surrounding natural teeth, and can also check for any signs of problems.

Dental implants provide a solid support system for new teeth - a process that requires the bone to heal tightly around the implant. Dental implants are considered a superior tooth replacement option because they provide a long-lasting, stable, natural-looking, and functioning solution for missing teeth.

Dental implants are typically made of biocompatible materials that are safe for use in the human body. Implants are made of:

1. Titanium: The portion of the dental implant that is placed in your jawbone is typically made of titanium or titanium alloys. Titanium dental implants are known for their biocompatibility and strength, making it an ideal material to replace multiple missing teeth. During the dental implant process, the screw portion of the implant will replace the natural tooth's root, and is inserted into the jawbone.

2. Porcelain: The visible portion of a dental implant is most often made using a porcelain material that closely mimics the look and function of natural teeth. Porcelain is durable and stain-resistant, making it an excellent choice for dental restorations and replacing multiple teeth. It is also biocompatible and safe for use in the human body.