Dental Implant Solutions

Dental implants enable dentists to create healthy, attractive smiles in an innovative way. Used to replace one or more missing teeth, implants are another alternative to conventional bridges and dentures. In essence, dental implants act and look like natural teeth. Because they maintain bone mass, dental implants can help prevent additional tooth loss as well as the sunken facial appearance associated with missing teeth. A dental implant restoration consists of a bio-compatible titanium screw and post topped by a crown, bridge, or denture.
The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone where it replaces the natural tooth root. In a few months, the implant securely attaches to the bone (called "osseointegration"), allowing it to withstand biting and chewing forces just like a healthy, natural tooth.

Are Dental Implants Right For Me?
The most common indications for implant therapy are:

• Replacement of one or more missing teeth.
• Support of a non-removable "bridge" to replace multiple teeth.
• Support of a removable full or partial denture
• Patients who successfully pass a screening and evaluation can be considered as candidates for implant replacement.

The primary limiting factor inherent in implant therapy is the amount of bone available to receive and support the implant. If it's determined that a patient does not have enough bone to support an implant restoration, bone grafting procedures may be considered. Heavy smoking and some medical conditions may preclude the use of implant therapy.

What Happens At The First Appointment?
To determine the appropriate site for the implant replacement, Dr. Workman will typically take x-rays and may prescribe CT scans as well. Impressions are taken of the mouth to help in determining the correct placement of any crowns, bridges, or dentures. After carefully determining the correct position for each implant, a surgical guide may fabricated to safely guide each implant into a predetermined position with precision and exactness using a fabricated surgical guide to simplify the placement of the implants. With this surgical guide technique no incision is necessary and the patient very often has very little or no post operative discomfort.
The implant is left undisturbed for three to six months to allow it to attach (osseointegrate) with the bone. If the implant is in a visible area of the mouth, the patient may choose to wear a temporary prosthesis during the healing period. Dentures may be relined with soft liners to allow patients to comfortably wear them during the healing process.

What Happens At Subsequent appointments?
Once the implant has been completely integrated with the bone, a post is attached to the implant. Dr. Workman is now ready to restore your implants with the appropriate crown, bridge, or denture. Dental implants look natural and will give you years of service. We have included a number of photos of our patients that are enjoying their life more because of dental implants. They have teeth back that they were missing and the security of knowing their teeth will not slip when they are eating their favorite foods. They no longer have to worry when they are out with friends and family.