Dental Implants

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants are small titanium posts which are placed into the jaw bone where teeth are missing. The bone grows around the implant during a process called “osseointegration”, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, dental implants can help preserve gum location and structure by preventing the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.

Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life.

Evaluation for Dental Implants

If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by  Drs. Sarles, Neitzke, Weber, Kokkinen and Adelmann. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.

Dental Implant Indications

Dental implants can replace anything from up to one tooth to an entire jaw of teeth with the use of implant crowns, bridges and implant retained dentures. For those patients with existing loose or ill-fitting dentures, as few as two implants can be placed for the denture to attach to providing incredible stability and comfort.

Dental implants are metal anchors that look like screws and are made of titanium, which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jaw bone. A small post is then fastened to the implant, which protrudes through the gums. These posts are called abutments which provide stable anchors for life-like ceramic replacement teeth to attach.

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, dental implants are placed within your jaw bone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums, gradually integrating with the jaw bone while a healing cap is in place. You should be able to wear a temporary tooth or denture and eat a soft diet during this time. 

After the dental implant has integrated with the bone, the second phase begins. Dr. Sarles can start making your new teeth. An impression scan is taken of the implants with our intraoral scanner. This information is then securely transferred to our local lab that will custom CAD design your new teeth. At your third and final visit, Dr. Sarles can deliver the custom abutment and crown that will screw into your implant. The process is now complete and you can start using your new teeth just like the rest!