Matlock Dental

Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth. The replacement tooth sits on the implant. They are used to replace one or more missing teeth without damaging the good, healthy surrounding teeth. Implants can also be used to help stabilize a removable partial or denture.

Dental implants are designed to blend in with your other teeth to look natural. They are an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile. The development and use of implants is one of the biggest advances in dentistry in the past 40 years. Dental implants are made up of titanium and other materials compatible with the human body. They are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth.

Most patients find that a dental implant is secure, stable and a good replacement for their own tooth. There are generally three phases to getting an implant:
  1. Surgery: An Oral Surgeon will surgically place the implant into the jawbone.
  2. Healing: The bone around the implant heals in a process called osseointegration. An implant is strong because the bone actually grows around it and holds it in place. Usually patients need to wait until the implant is completely integrated, which may take up to several months, before replacement teeth can be attached to the implant.
  3. Restorative: After the implant is fully healed, you are ready for the restorative process with Dr. Matlock. For a single tooth implant, he places the “implant crown and abutment” over the implant that will look very natural and blend in with your other teeth. If you are replacing more than a single tooth, implant bridges or dentures are another option.

Follow up care including good oral hygiene (brushing, flossing) and regular cleanings are important to maintain your implants and surrounding gum tissue. Implants are an excellent option for patients in good general health with healthy gum tissues and adequate bone in the jaw. Certain patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or leukemia may not be good candidates for implants. If you are interested in dental implants, please discuss this with Dr. Matlock.

Implant Advantages Include

  • Natural looking option for missing teeth
  • Secure, stable replacement for one or more missing teeth
  • Can be used to help stabilize a loose, uncomfortable denture
  • Excellent long-term option for restoring your smile

Implant FAQ's

The first step is to have a consultation to see if an implant is a good choice for you. After the consultation, Dr. Matlock may refer you to an oral surgeon to discuss the surgery. Implant dentistry is usually a team approach in order to give you the best possible outcome. Each doctor has the experience, knowledge and skill required for the specialized implant procedures. Dr. Matlock has many years of experience in completing the restorative part of implants by placing the crowns, bridges or dentures that fit over your implants.

Because each case is unique, the best way to find out what a dental implant will cost is with a consultation and treatment plan. We can schedule an appointment for an implant consultation with Dr. Matlock and she can go over the treatment options with you. We will provide you all the information you need at the consultation to make an informed decision. We will also give you a referral to an oral surgeon for a consultation to find out about the surgical part of the implant. Our office is not able to give estimates on what the oral surgeon may charge for the surgery.

Many insurance policies will cover a portion of implant surgery and implant crowns. We are happy to check your benefits for you and provide an insurance estimate.

They feel the closest to real teeth as possible. Most patients report they don’t feel anything. You will most likely forget about them and enjoy the benefits of having your missing teeth replaced with something that looks and feels very natural.

The implant process generally takes 6-8 months from start to finish, depending on the patient and their individual healing. Usually healing after implant surgery takes around 6 months before we can begin the restorative process.