DENTAL IMPLANTS

Would you like to regain the confidence of natural teeth? If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants can restore your ability to smile, speak and eat with comfort and confidence. The pictures to the right show an example of an implant restoration performed by Dr. Haag. This patient was missing an eyetooth and now has an implant with a crown that looks and functions exactly like a natural tooth.

Dr. Haag has been working with Dental Implants for over 10 years. He has recently partnered with NobelBiocare, a leader in the Implant industry, giving him the tools he needs to create customized Implant solutions. Their technology brings Implant placement to a new level. It is now quicker, easier and more comfortable to place Implants. Compared to traditional Implant placement, the number and length of dental visits are reduced. Post-operative discomfort and healing time have also been greatly reduced. The advanced Teeth-in-an-hour™ procedure gives you your new teeth immediately. Implants are stable and secure, so you can comfortably eat your favorite foods. Implants are a conservative, trusted alternative to bridges. They can also help secure dentures so they fit better. If you would like to find out more about replacing missing teeth or dentures with Dental Implants, please contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants

What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium fixture that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. The implant is placed in the jaw. It will bond with the bone over time and serve as an anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or many missing teeth.

Are dental implants successful?
With more than three decades of clinical experience and over a million patients treated, statistics confirm a success rate of nearly 95 percent for individual implants*, even higher for the bridges they support.
* Results based on implants and bridges remaining and in function over a five-year period.

How much do implants cost?
The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants will depend on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of implants required to support your replacement teeth. Some additional procedures may be required prior to the placement of your dental implants to ensure the long-term health of your dental implants. Typically, there is a fee for the surgical procedure and a separate fee for attaching the posts and constructing your replacement teeth. To obtain a specific fee estimate, it is necessary to have comprehensive dental examination. After this exam, Dr. Haag will recommend the treatment that is best for you.

Will dental implants work for me?
Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The main limitation is the amount of available bone. Dr. Haag is the best person to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.

Is old age a problem?
Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you're healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you're probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate implant treatment. Dr. Haag will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history. We currently have a 90 year old gentleman that undergoing implant treatment!

What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a bridge?
 Improved appearance: When you lose your entire tooth - crown and root - shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or bridge doesn't. 
· Maintained natural teeth: With traditional bridges, the two teeth on either side of a missing tooth must be ground down to anchor a bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.
· Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about. The implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is need after installation. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.

How will dental implants affect my life?
Implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you are used to. You can continue smoking as well, if you must. But most importantly, dental implants often improve quality of life in a very concrete way. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.

Will my new teeth look natural?
When dental implants are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort and function are very likely to exceed your expectations.

Will I be able to chew with the same force and pressure I use with my natural teeth?
Yes. Following a brief adaptation period, chewing capacity is comparable to that of natural teeth.

Is the treatment painful?
Just as with any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Anesthesia and patient sedation are used to eliminate any discomfort at the time of the procedure. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. Dr. Haag will prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur. Ask us to recommend another patient who has already had tooth replacement. They will be happy to share their experience with you.