Dental implants are dentistry’s answer to replacing natural teeth for function, health, and aesthetics. Dental implants and the tooth replacements placed on the implants allow the patient to feel confident with their smile, chew naturally, and maintain the bone support of their jaws. The dental implants are made of the biocompatible material, titanium, most often used in joint replacements. The prosthetic crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant.

Dental Implants are predictable and highly successful replacements for natural teeth. In some instances, the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth is removed. In other cases, some procedures are needed prior to implant placement to ensure good bone support for the long-term success of the implant.

Unfortunately, some teeth cannot be saved for reasons such as decay, root fractures, or advanced periodontal disease. During this process, the tooth is removed as atraumatically as possible to minimize bone loss and decrease healing time.

It is important to preserve and often rebuild the lost bone support during a dental extraction. The placement of a bone graft can improve the bone support around adjacent teeth for to support a bridge or allow for the placement of an implant. When no bone graft is placed at the time of an extraction, the bone of the jaw will shrink over time which can lead to restorative and periodontal complications.

At Mt. Pleasant Periodontics, we preserve the bone by removing the tooth and filling the socket with bone graft material and human growth factors. The growth factors come from the patient’s own blood collected in the office so there is no need to go elsewhere. The staff processes this blood to extract the platelets, which then aid in both bone and soft tissue healing.

This procedure is utilized to restore the natural contour of the jaw and gums that can be altered from tooth loss or other reasons. Ridge augmentation is utilized prior to implant or restorative procedures in allow for healthy and functional solutions, such as implants.

Following tooth loss, bone grafting may be indicated within the sinus in order to place implants. This procedure involves placing bone graft in the upper jaw’s sinus.

In order to alleviate anxiety, Dr. Morris offers nitrous oxide, oral and intravenous sedation during non-surgical and surgical treatment.