You deserve a perfect smile!

Did you know that dental implants are frequently the best treatment option for replacing missing teeth? Rather than resting on the gum line like removable dentures, or using adjacent teeth as anchors like fixed bridges, dental implants are long-term replacements that your oral and maxillofacial surgeon surgically places in the jawbone.

Dental implants look and feel so natural, you may forget you ever lost a tooth. Confidence with your smile affects how you feel, both personally and professionally, about yourself. You may hide your smile because of spaces from missing teeth. Possibly your dentures don't feel secure or perhaps you have difficulty chewing. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence, there is good news. Dental implants are teeth that can look and feel just like your own!

A Solution of Choice for Replacing Missing Teeth: Dental implants never slip or make embarrassing noises (like removable dentures). They also never decay like teeth anchoring fixed bridges, which often affect adjacent healthy teeth.

Fixed bridges and removable dentures usually need to be replaced every seven to 15 years. If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Anatomy of a Dental Implant: A dental implant, designed to replace a single tooth, is composed of three parts: the titanium implant that fuses with the jawbone; the abutment, which fits over the portion of the implant that protrudes from the gum line; and the crown, which is created by a prosthodontist (restorative dentist), and fitted onto the abutment for a natural appearance.

If you are missing several teeth in the same area of your mouth, your surgeon will place two or more dental implants, depending on the number of teeth that are missing. Your replacement teeth will be attached to the implants to allow proper function and prevent bone loss.

Dental Implants are a Team Effort: A successful implant requires that all parties involved—the patient, the restorative dentist and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon—follow a careful plan of treatment.

Following the evaluation and consultation, the surgeon surgically places the posts, or implants, in the patient’s jaw. When the implants have stabilized in the jaw, the restorative dentist prepares an impression of the upper and lower jaws. This impression is used to make the model from which the dentures or crowns are created.

The teamwork continues long after the implant and crown have been placed. Follow-up examinations with both doctors are critical, and progress is carefully charted. Both will continue to work together to provide the highest level of aftercare.

This certificate is good for one dental implant by Dr. Mark Degen DDS, MD (Red Rock Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Centre) and Dr. William Baalbaky, DDS (Elite Family Dental). It includes an evaluation with x-rays performed by Dr. Degan. He will also place the dental implant and abutment. The crown will be fabricated and placed by Dr. Baalbaky.