Dental implants can be an effective method to replace one tooth or several missing teeth, support a bridge or replace a denture. This type replacement is as close to having your natural tooth back as you can get. Unlike bridges, implants do not require nearby teeth to be cut down to create an anchor.  They also help preserve your bone and can be cleaned with normal brushing and flossing.  Implants can provide a stable foundation for dentures, which often embarrassingly slip and slide .   Not every patient is a candidate for an implant, though.  Your general and dental health are factors that are considered.

Several steps are usually involved in placing implants and a team approach is often used.  Your treatment is coordinated with a specially trained surgeon.  Several months are usually required to complete implant placement.  Insurance seldom covers implant procedures.

First, an anchor is placed into the jawbone by a specialist.  Bone then grows around the anchor, holding it firmly in place.  This takes several months.  Finally, Dr. Boyd places an artificial tooth on the implant.