Dental Implant Services

Understanding Dental Implants

A dental implant may be an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth. A dental implant is a metallic man-made root that Dr. Beauchamp surgically positions into the jaw. Once the implant is in place, and bone surrounding the implant has had time to heal, a replacement tooth is attached to the metallic root. Implants may be a more favorable approach than bridgework since they do not depend on neighboring teeth for support.

Healthy, abundant bone is a prerequisite for placing a dental implant because bone is the foundation for this metallic man-made root.  Oftentimes a bone graft may be needed to create good quality bone for an implant.

The placement of an implant is a simple procedure, often done with local anesthesia or under conscious, sleep sedation for maximum patient comfort. See the video below for a comprehensive video on implants.

More About Dental Implants

Did you know that the dental implant is the closest thing to a real tooth if you have ones that are missing? This is just one of many reasons why people are increasingly going for dental implants instead of partial bridges and full dentures.  At the very least, when you have dental implants, you can chew like normal human beings, and enjoy all the benefits of dental structures that have some nerve sensation to them. 

Even though you may not realize it, dental implants were actually used during the Maya civilization.   That said, the first modern dental implant occurred in the United States in 1952, and was carried out by Dr. Linkow. He is known today as the father of the dental implant, and left behind over 36 patents and several books on the subject. 

The Advantages of the Dental Implant

A dental implant will prevent bone shrinkage, which occurs when there are no teeth to keep the bone matrix stretched

• Implants can replace cracked or chipped teeth
• A dental implant works just like a normal tooth, so you do not have to grind your food sideways, as with a denture
• A dental implant can be brushed just like normal teeth

If you cannot stand bridges or dentures, then dental implants may be the best option for you. One of the first things you will notice is that you will have something closer to a natural sensation when you bite and chew with a dental implant.  In addition, the more natural a bite and chew pattern you have, the better chance you will also have of avoiding TMJ and other jaw joint problems. 

Problems that Can Occur With Dental Implants

Today, just about every general dentist offers dental implant services. Unfortunately, if the implant procedure is not carried out properly, it can cause more problems than it solves. Aside from the risk of both bone and gum infection, here are some long term problems that can occur when a dental implant is not placed properly:

If the implant is not aligned properly, it will place undue pressure and stress on the bone. Once the bone adheres to the titanium matrix, this may cause bone damage that will be hard to detect for years.

• During the process of drilling and preparing the bone for implantation, nerve damage may occur in both the bone and gum tissue. This can lead to long term numbness in the chin and cheek area, as well as permanent problems with speech.
• Accidental chipping and other damage to the bone may occur during the implant process. 

Individuals that feel a dental implant will be of benefit to them should take the time to research dental offices very carefully. You should look for a reputable doctor that has a track record for successful implants. Even though there are always risks associated with this and other dental procedures, you are bound to find that it will be well worth the effort. At the very least, if you find a good dentist, you can enjoy all the short and long term benefits commonly associated with having a dental implant to replace missing or broken teeth.

We hope that the information provided you here has convinced you of our expertise and encourage you to make an appointment with our office to have a free evaluation.