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First, dental implant replacement teeth look, feel, and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink as you normally do. Second, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very evident way: people who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.

There are many benefits to a dental implant for a missing tooth over conventional replacements or procedures:

● Dental implants help preserve your jawbone. The human jawbone maintains its integrity through proper stimulation from the roots of the teeth or dental implants. When a tooth is missing, that portion of the jawbone atrophies and wastes away. This is why denture wearers may have a “sunken” appearance.

● Dental implants help save adjacent teeth. Traditional replacements like bridges or partials permanently damage the teeth next to the missing tooth space. Dental implants are independent of the neighboring teeth and will not damage your natural look.

● Dental implants are a lifetime restoration. Properly placed and maintained dental implants typically last a lifetime. Crowns, bridges, and partial dentures only have an average lifespan of 5 to 10 years.

● Dental implants look and feel natural. Dental implants feel and function just like your own teeth, and there are no restrictions on the types of food you can eat. With dental implants, many find that they can return to eating the kinds of foods they’ve missed for years.

Dental implants can give you an internal “facelift.” Because dental implants restore the health and the density of your jawbones and your facial muscles can be used properly again, most patients notice a visible tightening of their face, helping to regain a youthful appearance.

The indications for this type of graft are when there is inadequate attached tissue (pink firm fixed tissue) around the tooth or teeth, along with the visible root recession is visually unpleasing and or causes cold sensitivity. This procedure can also be used for covering over small cavities that are removed and avoid a restoration in the area. If a recession occurs and results in the red, movable mucosal tissue surrounding the tooth or teeth, significant recession at a much quicker rate can occur. The reason for this is that the mucosal tissue is not resistant to toothbrush wear and can be very tender to brushing. Also, the mucosal tissue is not firmly bound down on the tooth and bone, resulting in food getting trapped under the tissue, resulting in an abscess. This can cause significant bone loss in a very short period. Keep in mind, during the time the gums creep away from the tooth, so does the resorption of the bone. All of this results in possible loss of teeth.

We use free gingival (gum) grafting surgery when there is inadequate attached tissue (pink firm fixed tissue) around a tooth or teeth. A free gingival graft is a very effective way of preventing significant progression of recession causing a bone loss condition.

We use the connective tissue gum graft surgery when there is both inadequate attached tissue (pink firm fixed tissue) around a tooth or teeth, and the visible root recession is visually unpleasing or causes cold sensitivity. This procedure can also be used for covering over small cavities that are removed and avoid a dental restoration for that area.

Both procedures typically require only a local anesthetic while we release the mucosal tissue away from the tooth. A small, thin piece of attached tissue is removed from the patient’s palate that is inserted into the mucosal released area using absorbable sutures. The in-office procedure is typically short and usually only requires a one week and a four week follow-up visit for us to observe the healing progress of the area. Traditionally, this procedure causes only slight discomfort that is easily managed with ibuprofen.

All-on-4™ is a full arch fixed prosthesis technique. It is a relatively new technique in the United States but has been done for many years with much success in Europe. This technique uses fewer implants that are placed at mechanical inclinations to maximize support. Fewer implants results in lower cost. The All-on-4™ implant treatment solution has been developed to maximize the use of available bone and to allow, in some situations, immediate function on a full arch prosthesis and avoids covering the palate with denture plastic.

Using only four to six implants in a toothless jaw, this treatment option takes advantage of the benefits of tilting the back implants to provide a secure and optimal prosthetic support for a fixed prosthesis, even with minimum bone volume. This also allows us to avoid anatomical areas that previously required bone grafting. The use of angled implant placement eliminates the need for bone grafting and saves months of healing and thousands of dollars. All-on-4™ saves time and money, and we are excited to make this option available to our patients.

Tooth extractions are dental procedures in which a tooth is carefully removed from its socket in the jawbone. Although extraction is typically considered a last resort, it may be necessary for various reasons. Common causes for tooth extractions include severe decay, advanced gum disease, dental trauma, overcrowding, or preparing for orthodontic treatment. During the procedure, the area surrounding the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. In more complex cases or for anxious patients, sedation dentistry may be used to ensure a relaxed and pain-free experience.