The Most Lifelike Option to Replace Missing Teeth
If you are missing teeth, you do not have to rely on loose or unnatural-looking restorations. Modern dental implants offer unparalleled stability, and they are virtually identical to natural teeth. Dr. Dooley works with skilled local oral surgeons to provide you with the highest quality restorative dental care.
Dental Implant Basics
Dr. Dooley does not perform implant surgery, but he can organize and supervise your entire procedure. After determining that you are a candidate for treatment, he will refer you to a local oral surgeon. Your surgeon will place one or more small implant posts in your jawbone to replace your tooth roots. The number of implants you receive will depend on how many teeth you are missing and the size of your restoration. As your jawbone and gums heal, the implants will become a permanent part of your jaw. Healing typically takes 4 to 6 months, and we can often supply a temporary restoration to wear during this time. When you have fully healed, Dr. Dooley can attach a crown or denture to the top of the implants. Just like our traditional restorations, our implant-supported prosthetics will be custom-made to match your natural teeth and facial structure.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Like other dental restorations, by replacing your missing teeth, implants can restore your dental function, smile, and self-confidence. However, implants offer additional benefits that traditional prosthetics cannot provide. These advantages include:
- Implants are permanent. When you maintain regular dental checkups and good at-home hygiene, your implant posts can last for life.
- Implants are stable. They will never slip out of place, and, in most cases, you will not have to change your diet to accommodate your restorations.
- Implant-supported restorations look natural. Like biological teeth, the top part of your restoration will sit right on top of your gum line.
- Implants will protect your jawbone health. They are the only type of dental restoration that can prevent jawbone degeneration.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Because implants go inside your jawbone, you must have a solid foundation for the posts. Unfortunately, if you have been missing teeth for some time, you have likely experienced jawbone degeneration. Dr. Dooley will use our digital x-rays to examine your jaw and ascertain whether you have enough bone volume to support the implant posts. Even if you have lost some bone, in many cases, your oral surgeon may still be able to position the implants in a way that will maximize the remaining structure. In other cases, he or she may recommend an advanced surgical option, such as bone grafting or a sinus lift, to enhance your jaw. If you do not qualify for implants, we will make sure you receive another lifelike restoration to improve your smile’s appearance, oral function, and self-confidence.