Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental Implants

Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function much like real ones. Dental implants through Dental Professionals can offer a welcome alternative to ill-fitting dentures or hard-to-fit bridgework.

Dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, where they serve as the roots of missing teeth. Because the titanium in the implants fuses with your jawbone, the implants won't slip, make noise or cause bone damage the way fixed bridgework or dentures might. And the materials used can't decay like your own teeth that support regular bridgework can.

In general, dental implants may be right for you if you:

• Have one or more missing teeth
• Have a jawbone that's reached full growth
• Have adequate bone to secure the implants, or are able to have a bone graft
• Have healthy oral tissues
• Don't have health conditions that will affect bone healing
• Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
• Want to improve your speech
• Are willing to commit several months to the process

Because dental implants require one or more surgical procedures, you must have a thorough evaluation in preparation for the process.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have and about any medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements. If you have certain heart conditions or orthopedic implants, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics before surgery to help prevent infection.

You will be given some form of anesthesia for pain control during surgery. Anesthesia options include local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia. Talk to your doctor at Dental Professionals about which option is best for you. Our dental care team will instruct you about eating and drinking before surgery, depending on what type of anesthesia you have. If you're having general anesthesia, IV sedation or oral sedation, plan to have someone take you home after surgery and expect to rest for the remainder of the day.

Make an appointment online or call us at (503) 684-8445.