Dental implants are surgically-placed restorations that the team at Redwoods Dental can use to replace missing teeth and help to restore the look and function of your smile.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants are titanium screws that replace the root of a tooth. This screw is placed where a natural tooth has been extracted or lost and, after the area has healed, a crown is attached to the implant.
Implants are able to support replacement teeth that feel, look and function quite closely to a natural tooth.
Dentures may also be supported through dental implants, making these restorations an effective way to encourage the fit and retention of prosthetic teeth, especially for individuals that are missing all of their teeth.
Dental implants can replace a single lost tooth or multiple missing teeth, and may address many oral health issues while leaving you with a functional, natural-looking smile. They can:
- Resolve jaw joint pain or bite issues
- Prevent surrounding teeth from shifting
- Prevent bite and jaw joint problems caused by teeth shifting
- Improve the ability to chew, speak and digest
- Restore the 'sunken face' look associated with missing teeth
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Our dental surgery treatments are recommended when they are the best option for your smile. We focus on helping our patients achieve a healthier smile.
How Does a Dental Implant Work?
In order to perform a dental implant placement procedure, our dentists use three pieces: a meta root, an abutment and a tooth replacement such as a crown or bridge.
First, the metal root will be surgically placed into the jaw bone. Generally, it will take 4 to 6 months for the surgical implant to heal before the artificial tooth or teeth can be placed.
After the implant has been placed and the surgical site has been fully healed, we will attach the abutment and tooth replacement to the metal root, creating the appearance and functionality of a natural tooth where the gap in your smile used to be.
Once the implant has healed, the dentist will attach the abutment and tooth replacement to the metal root, creating the appearance and functionality of a natural tooth.
In some cases, you may not have enough bone in your jaw to support an implant and a bone graft surgery will be needed to restore the jaw bone to allow for implants.
More Dental Implants FAQs
Learn more about dental implants by reading through some of the most commonly asked questions from our patients about this surgery and restoration.
- Are implant procedures typically successful?
The cylindrical implant system, which we use at Redwoods Dental, is successful for many patients. However, as with any dental procedure, there is some risk of complications occurring.
- Will the dental implant procedure be painful?
You are unlikely to experience major discomfort during and after the procedure. Your dentist will review anaesthesia options with you and plan your procedure based on the wishes you express. However, dental implant placement is usually completed with local anaesthesia.
- Will I be able to chew normally?
Chewing will often improve significantly following treatment with cylindrical implant systems. In fact, after a brief period to get used to your new implant, you may be able to chew almost as well as you would with your natural teeth.
- How long will my dental implants last?
With proper care, there is no time limit on how long successful cylindrical implant systems can last and dental implant systems continue to improve.
- What experience does Dr. Sorbo have with dental implants?
Dr. Todd Sorbo has undertaken a number of courses, certifications and continuing education opportunities concerning dental implants and implant surgeries.
Dr. Sorbo is proud to offer dental implant services, as well as supporting procedures such as bone grafts to his patients.