Dental Implants
In Dr. Kamer’s opinion, dental implants are the single-most exciting development in recent dentistry improvements. Before the development of dental implants, bridges and dentures were the only alternative to replacing a missing tooth or teeth. Now, replacing a missing tooth with a rather simple implant procedure is the closest treatment we have to mimic the look and feel of your natural teeth.

Implants are small structures that are placed in the area of the tooth normally occupied by the root. Implants become anchored into the jawbone and act as a foundation for an artificial tooth or permanent bridge. In some cases, implants can be used to attach dentures.

A small, simple surgery is necessary to prepare the area for an implant and place the implant in the mouth. Following the procedure, a period of time is required for the implant to take hold and for bone tissue to build up and anchor the device, and then the tooth (most often a porcelain crown) is place on the implant.

There is no need to be apprehensive about this surgery. We often hear, “Do I need to be put to sleep?“ and “Will it be extremely painful?” The answer to both questions is “no.” Usually the placement of a single dental implant takes about an hour. It is routine enough that you simply need to be numbed, as if you were having a filling. Most people need only an over- the -counter pain medicine such as Ibuprofen following the procedure, and can go about their normal business.

Like any restoration, implants require diligent oral hygiene and proper care to ensure they last a long time.