Dental Implants

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel, and function like natural teeth. People who have lost teeth regain the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that their teeth appear natural and that their facial contours will be preserved.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are tiny, titanium posts placed in the jawbone under the gums to support artificial teeth where natural teeth are missing. Over a period of time, the jawbone actually attaches itself to these posts, providing a strong foundation for the artificial teeth attached to them.

Who needs Dental Implants?

Anyone who is missing teeth and can benefit from increased chewing efficiency, and improved appearance or speech, is a candidate for dental implants. Implants can be the solution when it has become difficult or impossible to wear removable dentures. Portions of the jaw that are missing due to a facial trauma, disease, or birth defect can often be reconstructed using implants.

Your doctor will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. As a rule, age is not a barrier to implant treatment if you are in good health. In fact, many people of all ages are choosing dental implants over other procedures, because the result is a natural appearance that is intended to be permanent.

For more information, please visit The Dental Implant Guide.

Bone Grafting

Over a period of time, the jawbone associated with missing teeth atrophies or is reabsorbed. This often leaves a condition in which there is poor quality and quantity of bone suitable for placement of dental implants. To overcome this condition, Drs. Darab and Richardson perform bone grafting.

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure to help your body regrow bone. It allows the doctors to build a suitable foundation for dental implants that restore functionality and esthetic appearance. In this procedure, the doctor takes a small piece of bone, usually from another area of the jaw or chin, and grafts it onto the jawbone where the dental implant is needed. Over a period of time, the body grows new bone over the graft, making it suitable for a the implant.

This procedure is performed at a local hospital under IV sedation or general anesthesia.