Dental Implants

There is no substitute for a complete set of healthy teeth. But if an accident or advanced dental disease results in tooth loss, you have several options to get your smile back again! For some select cases, dental implants can offer the cosmetics and confidence of natural teeth.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are prosthetic roots that are surgically inserted into precision recesses beneath the gum tissues. After implants are gently placed, the implant undergoes osseointegration; the jaw bone grows into the implant and can act as an artificial root. Then either single crowns or a bridge can be fixed to the implants. The function and cosmetics of this approach is as close to natural teeth as anything available at the present time.

What are benefits of dental implants?

The chief benefit of dental implants is that the bone in the jaw grows into the implant offering unprecedented support for artificial or prosthetic teeth. Dentures, bridgework and individual teeth attached to the implants won’t shift or slide around in the mouth. This is a big plus for confidence while speaking and eating.

The secure attachment of the artificial teeth to the implants makes the implant/artificial tooth combination feel much more natural in the mouth than convention crown and bridges and dentures.

Most folks find that implant retained full and partial dentures to be remarkably like their natural teeth and much more comfortable and stable during chewing and speaking!

Can anyone have Dental Implants?

Implants are a good treatment plan for folks with healthy gums and enough bone beneath the gumline to support implants. And after the implants are placed, these structures must be maintained in excellent health with good home care and regular checkups. Regular checkups and meticulous brushing and flossing are crucial to long term success of dental implants.

Implant placement often involves more than one office visit, so patients requesting this treatment plan should be in good general health.

Some medications and smoking can have a negative impact on the longevity of implants. Certain health condition such as diabetes or osteoporosis can interfere with healing and delay or interrupt the attachment of the jaw bone to the implant.

What are Dental Implants made of?

Dental implants are made of titanium which is very compatible with bone and gum tissues. The implants used by Dr. Ron are coated with enhancing substances that accelerate and enhance the attachment of the jaw bone to the titanium in the implant.

The artificial teeth (crowns or bridges) and dental appliances (full and partial removable dentures) that are attached to the implants are made of the same porcelains, gold alloys and acrylics that are used to restore natural teeth or replace missing teeth in the mouth.

What kind of Dental Implants are there?

The American Dental Association recommends two general kinds of implants based on decades of intensive research:
Endosteal
Subperiosteal

Endosteal implants are surgically placed into recesses in the jaw bone and function much like the roots of natural teeth. There must be an ideal level of jaw bone in the area where the implant is to be placed to provide adequate support to counter chewing forces.

In some cases, after the dental implants are put into place in the jaw bone, the gum tissues are closed over them for a period of three to six months. This allows the bone to attach to the implants. A second procedure is then performed to attach a support structure above the gum line to attach the artificial tooth replacements to the implant.

In some cases, the crown or bridge or denture can be placed immediately, the artificial teeth are immediately attached to the implants and you are eating with your new implants within hours.

A subperiosteal implant may be necessary if there is insufficient bone present to support and endosteal implant in the jaw. The subperiosteal implant is actually a metal framework that fits on top of the jaw bone under the gum tissues. After the gums heal, the framework becomes fixed to the jaw bone. Then artificial teeth are attached to the framework.

What if my jaw bone is too small for Dental Implants?

There are studies supported by research that suggest that the bone in the jaw can be built up to allow placement of implant in folks with substantial bone loss. Synthetic or natural bone substitutes can be built up under the gum line. After a period of six to twelve weeks, new bone can grow into the synthetic or natural bone. Often the growth is high enough to support an implant.

Who should I see to help me with implants?

The American Dental Association recognizes the specialty of prosthodontics as having the training and expertise to place and restore dental implants. The ADA recognizes Prosthodontists as specialists in:

Cosmetic crown and bridge dentistry
Cosmetic dentures and partial dentures
Cosmetic implant dentisty
Periodontal prosthesis fabrication and maintenance
Restoration of oral and facial defects due to cancer or injury
Non surgical management of TMJ disorders


Prosthodontics is the specialty of dentistry pertaining to the restoration and maintenance of oral facial function, comfort, appearance and health of the patient by the replacement of missing teeth and oral structures with artificial teeth and other devices. Prosthodontists must complete a two or three year specialty residency after four years of dental school to become members of the American College of Prosthodontists.

Perhaps the most important thing you have to know about implants is who is the quarterback; who is responsible for planning the position of the implants in the mouth, who will be responsible to make sure that the artificial teeth will fit on the implants appropriately and function in the mouth as naturally as possible. Doctors who have training in graduate prosthodontics residencies have this training.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Implant placement has a high level of success in compliant individuals, but implants are not 100% successful. Sudden serious changes in health, failure to brush, floss and get regular checkups and cigarette smoking are some of the factors that can negatively influence implants. And as with any medical or dental procedure, there are no guarantees because the human element makes this impossible.

Implant technology has been studied and applied for several decades and the art and science available today makes them almost a routine procedure for most patients.

How do I know if Dental Implants are the right choice?

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ron. We have a periodontist specialist in our office who has extensive experience in placing and managing implants. We have a unique team with special skills to place the implants and also attach the artificial teeth. Experience and skills that are not commonly found under one roof!

After a thorough evaluation and examination, we can provide you with treatment plans that include implants and also implant alternatives. You will like our low key, low pressure common sense approach to giving you the winning smile you need right now.