Implant Dentistry

It is possible to have all of your own teeth again, even if you have had teeth missing for many years! You will be able to eat, speak and smile comfortably, with confidence.

An implant is an "artificial root". The implant is made of titanium - the same material that is used in orthopedic surgery. The implant is surgically placed into your jawbone. After healing has taken place, a post is placed into the implant, and a crown is cemented on the post.

Dr. Palmer is an experienced implantologist who achieves excellent results, both surgically and aesthetically. She will work together with you to provide a step-by-step plan to replace your missing teeth or reconstruct your entire mouth, depending on your individual needs.

The remarkable development of Osseo-integrated implants is definitely the future of modern dentistry.

An implant is a titanium screw that resembles the root of a tooth. It is surgically placed in the bone so that a crown may be attached to it, to replace a missing tooth as naturally as possible. An implant is made of titanium, the most biologically compatible material made. An implant is placed in the mouth surgically, making a small hole in the bone into which the implant is inserted. If there is not enough bone, there are several ways to increase the amount of bone so that an implant can be placed. Bone can be transplanted from other areas of the mouth or we can use other sources of bone.

Implants, when properly placed, are 98% successful. Problems that may arise include post-operative infection, in which case the implant would need to be removed, or nerve damage. A failed implant can be replaced after the area has healed. Candidates for implants are patients who wish to replace their missing teeth, non-smokers, and are in good health. Patients who wear dentures and are unable to chew are excellent candidates for implants.

There are some medical contraindications to treatment: heavy smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, severe auto immune disorders. Others will not know you have an implant. Treatment time depends on the type of treatment. There are some cases where the tooth is removed and the implant and temporary crown are placed in the same day and there are some cases that require implant placement and several months of healing time.