Dental Implants

Salt Lake City Utah Implant Dentistry

Dental implants are a fast-growing area of prosthetic dentistry used to replace one or more missing teeth and are another alternative to conventional bridges and dentures. In essence, dental implants act and look like natural teeth. Implant dentistry can help prevent additional tooth loss as well as the sunken facial appearance associated with missing teeth.

Missing teeth often lead to feelings of embarrassment and self-consciousness. Implant dentistry is an effective way to correct this problem by giving a person the confidence and comfort a healthy, attractive smile can bring. Also, getting dental implants not only improves the aesthetics of your smile, they improve how your teeth function.

The Dental Implant Procedure

The dental implant is surgically placed into the jawbone where it replaces the natural tooth root. In a few months, the dental implant securely attaches to the bone (called "osseointegration"), allowing it to withstand biting and chewing forces just like a healthy, natural tooth.

• Replacement of one or more missing teeth.
• Support of a non-removable "bridge" to replace multiple teeth.
• Support of a removable full or partial denture.
• Patients who successfully pass a screening and evaluation can be considered as candidates for dental implant replacement.

The primary limiting factor inherent in dental implant therapy is the amount of bone available to receive and support the dental implants. If it's determined that a patient does not have enough bone to support a dental implant restoration, bone grafting procedures may be considered. Heavy smoking and some medical conditions may preclude the use of implant dentistry.

For more information on implant dentistry or to learn if you are a candidate for dental implants, call the Salt Lake City, Utah office of dental implant expert Dr. Allan S. Thomas or use the form on the left of this page. Dental implants just may be the solution to restore function and beauty to your smile.