What are dental implants?

Dental implants are small titanium screws that hold dental restorations in place. Inserted directly into your jaw, dental implants become an accepted part of your jawbone and offer the only permanent solution for replacing missing teeth.

Why should I replace missing teeth?

Missing teeth are both a functional and aesthetic problem. Missing teeth can make your smile look awkward and leave you feeling uncomfortable. They can also change the strength and tension of your bite, allow adjacent teeth to slip out of place, and ultimately result in jaw collapse and changes in the structure of your face. Only by replacing missing teeth can you prevent these types of problems.

Why replace missing teeth with dental implants?

There are a number of advantages of dental implants, particularly when compared to other forms of tooth replacement. Dental implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support, work to prevent jaw collapse, provide the most secure foundation for dental restorations, and look and feel entirely natural once the process has been completed.

How long does it take for dental implants to be placed?

The placement of your dental implants will take one office visit. For front teeth, placement can often be completed at the same time as tooth extraction. For back teeth, you may need to have teeth extracted during one appointment and implants placed in a follow-up. Under ideal conditions, a tooth may be extracted and immediate placement of your implant may be possible.

Once placed, your implants will need to become an accepted part of your jawbone before final restorations can be completed. This process can take upwards of six months but is well worth the wait when considering the ultimate benefits of dental implants. Once accepted, additional office visits will be required for full restoration.

Are dental implants right for me?

Your dental implant candidacy will be based on the structure of your jawbone, general oral and physical health, and final aesthetic desires. During your evaluation with Dr. Peffly, it will be determined if dental implants are the best solution for your smile.