State of the Art Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a permanent and appealing solution to replace missing or extracted teeth. They are better than other alternatives like bridges because no additional teeth need to be altered to place the new tooth.

How Does the Dental Implant Process Work?

​The entire implant process is performed over the course of a few months. The first part of the process is to install the implant itself, where a screw is placed into the jaw bone. An incision is made in the gum so that the implant can be inserted. Multiple implants can be placed at once if necessary. After the implants are placed the gums are sutured.

The implant must be allowed about 3-6 months to heal, and during this time the jaw bone will form around the implant in a process called osseointegration. During this healing time you can have temporary crowns installed so that you can eat and speak normally and maintain a proper aesthetic appearance for your smile.

After the implant has healed it is time to place an abutment on the implant. The abutment serves as the base for your new tooth. Once this is placed an impression of the abutment is taken and is used to create your permanent restoration. Depending on your individual patient needs, our onsite lab will create the crown, or we may send it to an outside lab. Once the restoration is completed you can return to the office to attach the restoration permanently. Your smile will look just like it used to, and after a short period of getting used to the implant it will feel just like one of your own teeth.

Check our FAQs to see some of the common questions about Dental Implants.

The Latest Dental Implant Technology

CareStream 3D Imaging

Our practice utilizes cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) — a highly advanced 3D computer imaging technique — for diagnostic, treatment planning, and post-evaluation services. Thanks to our CareStream CBCT 3D imaging system, we’re able to create a much more detailed image of your teeth and jaw than with traditional X-rays. This means improved identification of dental disease, lower radiation exposure, a more comfortable imaging experience, and better treatment outcomes for you as a patient.

Dr. Hayes discusses the latest dental implant technology available at Joplin Dental Care:

Multiple dental implants can be placed at once for a better patient experience:

Contact Joplin Dental Care

Dental implants behave like natural teeth and offer a permanent solution for improving your smile. Contact Joplin Dental Care to learn more about the benefits of dental implants or make an appointment to improve your smile today! (417) 781-6466