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Complete Smile, Complete Confidence

Dental Implants Decatur, Huntsville, Madison

If you have one or more missing teeth, it is imperative to seek treatment right away. There are a number of solutions available to restore the smile to look, function, and feel like new again. Drs. Forrest Bryant, G. Patterson Shedd, Kyle Donaghey, Jake R. Noel, and Dr. B. Barry Gravitt often recommend dental implants for their Decatur, Huntsville, and Madison, Alabama patients. Dental implants are surgically placed titanium posts that function as the root of the tooth. Once the implant fuses with the jawbone over the course of several months, a beautiful, natural-looking artificial tooth is placed to fill the gap. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants offers aesthetic benefits to patients, as well as significant oral health benefits. To learn more about dental implants, contact our Decatur, Huntsville, or Madison dental practice today.

Dental Implant Placement Procedure

The first step in the process involves a personal consultation with one of our dentists, during which you will discuss your aesthetic and oral health goals, and medical history. We will perform a thorough examination of the teeth and gums, take X-rays and digital images, and create an impression of the mouth. Our doctors use a Computer Generated Model based upon a CT of the jaw to carefully plan implant placement.  This technique is highly advanced and allows maximum accuracy and safety with implant placement.  Our technique allows the implant to be placed through the gum tissue with no cutting or sutures.  We will then carefully map out your treatment plan and discuss the details of the dental implant placement procedure, which goes as follows:

• CT of the jaw performed at a local Imaging Center
• Local anesthesia is administered for optimal patient comfort.
• A tiny window is prepared in the gum at the implant site
• A small hole is precisely drilled into the jawbone using special dental equipment.
• The implant is placed securely in the hole.
• A small healing cap is placed over the implant that will slightly protrude through a window in the gum tissue.  A traditional second surgery is NOT REQUIRED with this procedure.

Our dentists will provide detailed aftercare instructions that the patient must carefully follow to ensure a safe and speedy recovery. Over the next six months the implant fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, becoming a permanent fixture in the mouth. The patient then returns for his or her next appointment, which goes as follows:

• An abutment, or a connecter piece, is attached to the exposed portion of the implant.
• The prosthetic tooth or anchor for a denture is fastened to the abutment, filling in the space where the tooth was missing.
• The patient can leave our office with a new, complete, beautiful smile.

Candidates for Dental Implants

The best way to learn whether you are a candidate for dental implants is to meet with a qualified dentist like Drs. Bryant, Shedd, and Donaghey. Ideal candidates include individuals who:

• Have one or more missing teeth
• Have sufficient bone density, or bone grafting may be necessary first
• Have healthy gums, free from gum disease
• Can commit to length of time required for entire procedure
• Can adopt good oral hygiene habits
• Are well-informed about the procedure

Benefits of Dental Implants

There are a number of benefits of dental implants, including:

• Achieve a beautiful, complete smile
• Prevent gum disease, bone loss, and TMJ
• Prevent shifting of surrounding teeth
• Long-lasting solution
• Improve functionality of teeth - eat and speak with comfort and ease
• Support facial structure - avoid concave appearance
• Natural look, feel, and function
• Boost self-confidence

Risks or Side Effects of Dental Implants

As with all surgeries, some risk is involved with dental implant placement of which you should be aware. Our dentists will discuss any possible issues with you during your consultation. Additionally, it is important that you disclose your medical history, including any allergies or existing conditions you may have. With an experienced surgical dentist, potential complications, like infection, failed integration, or adverse reaction to anesthesia, are extremely rare.

Patients typically experience some bruising, swelling, and pain immediately following the surgery. However, symptoms are temporary and any discomfort can be alleviated with prescribed pain medication. We will also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection from occurring.

Learn More about Dental Implants

If you are uncomfortable with the appearance of your smile, or have trouble eating or speaking due to missing teeth, dental implants are an excellent solution. Missing teeth can result in a whole host of oral health issues, in addition to low self-confidence and a poor quality of life. We want to make sure all of our patients feel comfortable and satisfied with their smiles. To learn more about dental implants, contact our Decatur, Huntsville, or Madison office.