Moline Dental Implants

If you have missing teeth, dental implants are the most effective way to replace them. Implants look and feel so natural that you may forget you have them.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium. Your jawbone bone will bond with the titanium and create a strong foundation for your artificial teeth. You will be able to smile with confidence.

If you are missing a single tooth, your other option would be to use a dental bridge. But, a bridge would require putting crowns on the adjacent teeth. That works, but placing a single dental implant is a more conservative option that preserves healthy tooth structure.

Dental implants also actually encourage bone stimulation and keep it from resorbing. When a tooth is missing, the body will resorb the bone that used to support that tooth, but the natural integration between implant and bone will prevent any bone loss around the implant.

Dental implants are also a great option for replacing all of your teeth, using implant-supported dentures. Implant-supported dentures are removable dentures that are secured down by dental implants. These are more comfortable and have improved function. For more information on implant-supported dentures, please see our implant overdentures page.

Dental Implant Process:

• Dr. Goebel will conduct a dental exam and x-rays to determine if you are a candidate for a dental implant.
• Dr. Goebel will refer you to an experienced surgical specialist to place the implant. He will place the titanium implant into the jawbone, and this will serve as a replacement for the missing tooth root.
• After a healing period of between 3-6 months, a custom fixture called an abutment will be attached to your implant. Many dentists use stock implants as a cheaper option, but when a custom abutment is used, it provides a healthier environment for your gums since it can be shaped for your particular clinical situation. For teeth that show when you smile, it also gives a more natural look to the final result.
• A crown, custom made to fit your bite and to fit into your smile aesthetically, will then be placed over the abutment.

Dental Implant Care

Care for your implants the same as you would your natural teeth—brush and floss daily. This is another advantage of an implant over a dental bridge. A bridge requires a special threader to get the floss under the bridge, an annoyance that causes many patients to neglect taking proper care of the teeth holding in the bridge.

 

With Proper Care, Your Implants Can Last A Lifetime!

Do you think you need dental implants? Dr. Goebel will be happy to meet with you for a consultation. You can either call our office or use our online appointment request form.