Dental Implants - Des Moines IA

Dental implants are changing the way people live! They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything. Knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved, they can smile with confidence.

What are Dental Implants?

The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the implant which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. Implants can be used in this manner to replace single missing teeth, multiple missing teeth, or all of a persons teeth.

Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing. They also carry significant advantages over conventional techniques such as bridges, since adjacent teeth are not involved.

The Surgical Procedure

For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first two to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is forming new replacement teeth.

After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. Our doctors will uncover the implants and attach small posts which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums. When your dentist inserts the artificial teeth onto the implants, these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes three to twelve months. The longer time period may be necesssary for those patients requiring bone grafting procedures. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.

Dental Implant Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.

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