People are living longer than ever, and while regular brushing, flossing, and checkups allow many of us to maintain our natural smiles for a lifetime, sometimes our teeth just can't keep up. If you've lost a tooth (or a few teeth) due to injury or disease, dental implants can rejuvenate both your smile and your oral health.

An implant is a synthetic tooth root in the shape of a post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The “root” is usually made of titanium: the same material used in many replacement hips and knees, and a metal that is well-suited to pairing with human bone. A replacement tooth is then fixed to the post. The tooth can be either permanently attached or removable. Permanent teeth are more stable and feel more like natural teeth.

The ideal candidate for implants is a non-smoker who has good oral health, including a sufficient amount of bone in the jaw, and healthy gums with no sign of gum disease.

When should I get Single vs. Multiple Implants?

implantsImplants are versatile. If you are only missing one tooth, one implant plus one replacement tooth will do the trick. If you are missing several teeth in a row, a few strategically placed implants can support a permanent bridge (a set of replacement teeth). Similarly, if you have lost all of your teeth, a full bridge or full denture can be permanently fixed in your mouth with a strategic number of implants.

Are there advantages over Dentures or Bridges?

Conventional bridges and dentures are not fixed to the bone, and can therefore be unstable. This can make it difficult to eat or smile with confidence. Implants not only look more natural, but feel and act more like normal teeth, with a stronger biting force. And because they don't directly rely on neighboring teeth for support, implants don't compromise the health of your natural teeth. In fact, bridges are only expected to last seven to ten years, even less with root canals, whereas implants will typically last a lifetime.

What implant services does Terrace Dental Group offer?

implants hardwareAfter placement of your implants, and once fully healed, it is necessary to restore them. To achieve the most desired aesthetic result the profile, anatomy, color and your personal preference are all considered to deliver a beautiful implant restoration.

Our implant services include:

  • Treatment Planning: Treatment planning is critical for the most ideal results. After a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Weakley or Dr. Sou will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. Then a detailed treatment plan will be designed by the doctors in coordination with the surgeon or peridontist who will place the implants. Dr. Weakley and Dr. Sou work with the best dental labs in the country, often using computer aided technology to fabricate high quality dental restorations.
  • Implant Restorations: All implant restorations, are completed by Dr. Weakley or Sou, including implant crowns, bridges supported by implants, removable partial and full dentures attached to implants and fixed hybrid "All-On-Four" bridges attached to implants.
  • Implant Maintenance: Once your dental implant restoration is completed, it is important to keep the area clean and infection-free. Dental implants can accumulate plaque and tartar just as teeth can. Whether you have just one tooth replaced by an implant or several, a professional cleaning schedule will be necessary to keep your implant healthy. The time interval for these professional cleanings will be determined by your individual needs.

X-ray of an implant in position

Post-Treatment Care

Consider your replacement teeth to be the same as natural teeth. They require the same daily brushing and flossing, and the same amount of regular checkups. Just like your natural teeth, the better you take care of your replacements, the longer they will last.

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