Benefits of Dental Implants:

• Very high success rate
• Restores virtually all of your dental function
• Lasts a lifetime
• Eat whatever you want
• Retain and restore facial appearance
• Easy care (easy to floss)
• Promotes positive tissue growth
• Stops jaw recession
• Prevents further tooth loss

What to Expect

Before any implant treatment begins, you will first have a consultation with Dr. Guttery to ensure you are a candidate for implants. During this consultation, we will take x-rays and carefully examine your jawbone to find the strongest areas to place posts. When you are ready for surgery, Dr. Guttery will administer local anesthesia and IV sedation, if preferred. Then, he will create small incisions in your gums where the implants will be placed. These will be firmly secured into your jawbone.

Full recovery from dental implant surgery typically takes four to six months, although discomfort should subside within a week or so. During this initial time period, you will need to get plenty of rest and eat a soft diet. As your recovery progresses, your jawbone will seal around the implants so that they become permanent fixtures in your mouth.

Once you have completely healed, you will return to the office where Dr. Guttery will attach your small abutment pieces to the implants. These pieces will connect to your new crown, bridge or denture. Utilizing Straumann’s premium tooth replacement solutions, Dr. Guttery will craft your restoration to match the shape and color of your natural teeth.

Implant Types

Single Tooth Implant

Single tooth implants can be used in people who are missing one or more teeth. They look and act like a natural tooth.

Implant Bridges

In cases where multiple teeth are missing, an implant bridge can be used. Fixed implant bridges maintain function, preserve the jawbone and restore beauty. They utilize dental implants placed in the jawbone and tooth-like porcelain restorations to replace missing teeth.

Implant-Supported Dentures

When someone lacks teeth in the jaw, but has enough bone in the jaw to support implants, implant-supported dentures are recommended. They contain special attachments that snap onto attachments on the implants.

Implant-Supported Hybrids

In extreme cases where an implant is needed to restore esthetics, function, lip support or speech, an implant-supported hybrid is used. They greatly improve quality of life by restoring comfort, chewing efficiency and overall enjoyment of food.