Implants are medical devices that replace the roots of missing teeth. They are used as abutments for crowns, bridges or dentures.

Implants are surgically placed in the jaw. Most of the time, implants feel like the most natural and safer method than other methods that replace missing teeth, like dentures.

The implant is made of titanium. It looks like a small cylinder or screw. After the implant is placed in the jaw, then the metal cylinder is attached on top. This cylinder serves as a base for a crown, denture or bridge. The key to the success of all implants is a process called osseointegration, or the process of bone formation around the implant. Titanium is a special material that the jaw accepts as part of the body.

Studies show that surgical placement of implants is successful more than 90% of the time. If implants fail, problems usually appear within the first year after surgery. After that, only about 1% of all implants succeed each year. Implants became more and more popular, so the American Dental Association (ADA) approved them in 1986.

Between 1986 and 1999, the number of implant procedures increased. It is now estimated that over half a million implants are placed each year in the United States. The initial cost of placing implants can be more expensive than for other types of restorations. But the investment is worth it in the long run. You probably don't need to choose implants for every missing tooth. We can help you with the number of implants you need.

Other benefits of implants are:

Oral surgery

Oral surgery as a dental specialty deals with various surgical procedures in the oral space. When you hear the words oral surgery, you may think of a hospital setting, general anesthesia, and a recovery of one or more days from this type of dental procedure, but you may be surprised at how simplified surgical procedures have been with investments in preparations and modern technology in order to increase the success and efficiency of your health.

This list below is not exhaustive, but provides examples of the most common oral surgery procedures performed in our clinic: