Lewis Center Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small, screw-shaped pieces of titanium. These implants are placed in the gum and jaw, where the root of your missing tooth used to be. They bond with the surrounding tissue, functioning as an artificial root.

This allows a dentist like Dr. Gavin to attach a crown, or another implant-supported restoration, to the post, providing a permanent solution for missing teeth.

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

First, the area where the implant will be placed is numbed and cleaned. A small incision is made, and the implant is inserted directly into the gum and jaw. The site is cleaned and disinfected, then sutured shut.

Over a period of about 3-6 months, the implant will bond permanently with the gum and jaw tissue in your mouth. Once fully healed, you’ll come in for another appointment where a dental crown or an implant-supported restoration will be placed.

What Is An Implant-Supported Restoration?

Implant-supported restorations are sometimes known as “implant dentures”, or by the brand name “Hybridge” or “All-on-4”. Using multiple dental implants, Dr. Amy Gavin can attach a full arch of dentures to the upper or lower jaw.

These permanent dental implants do not shift or move, and they do not have to be removed for cleaning or maintenance, making them a much more convenient alternative to conventional dentures.