Dental implants are some of the most predictable restorative treatments in dentistry. They can be used as stand alone restorations with crowns (caps) or as abutments for the support of dentures, removable partial dentures, or fixed bridges that are cemented in place. You do not need an implant to replace every missing tooth. If you have ten missing teeth, the chances are that you do not need ten implants. Your current medical and dental histories are very important. Some conditions, such as, smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, hormone therapy, heart disease, and diabetes can adversely affect the healing from surgical procedures, such as the placement of dental implants. There are other medical situations that can compromise the use of implants. That’s why an accurate medical history is so important. Several different x-ray views are required to see if there is enough bone where the teeth are missing to allow the correct placement of the implant(s). Plaster models of your upper and lower teeth are necessary to help determine how many implants will be required along with their proper alignment. Then, the total case design will be reviewed before any final decisions are made. If there is not an adequate amount of bone, surgical bone grafting procedures might be necessary to rebuild the missing bone to a depth and width to properly hold the implant(s). Dental implants are placed under local anesthesia usually in conjunction with a mild, oral sedative. Before they can be restored with the planned crowns or bridges, the implants must heal for four months in the lower jaw and for eight months in the upper jaw. The jawbone and gum tissues must be totally healed around the implants before moving forward with the planned restorations. If it is determined that dental implants can be used in your case, the procedures required for their placement are not very uncomfortable. You should have a complete examination and a detailed consultation with Dr. Romans and his staff before making any decisions on dental implants. Back to top