Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. They are made out of titanium which forms a biologic bond to the bone providing a root replacement for the missing tooth or teeth on to which a crown, bridgework, or dentures can be built. Dental implants can be used to replace one tooth or many teeth

Dental implants have many benefits: 1) they preserve bone following the loss of a tooth or teeth, 2) they allow a tooth to be replaced without having to crown the teeth adjacent to a missing tooth, 3) they can be used to anchor dentures and partial dentures providing stability, retention, and comfort while minimizing movement and soreness, 4) they have been shown to improve patient’s appearance and self-confidence.

A team approach is used to optimize dental implant treatment. Dr. Bruggers works with surgical specialists such as  Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons or Periodontists to determine where the implants need to be placed to provide correct function and esthetics. Patients are then referred for surgical portion of implant placement. Placement can be completed under local anesthesia or with IV or conscious sedation. These decisions will be made between the patient and the surgeon. Following a period of healing, an abutment is placed on the implant which connects the implant through the gum tissue into the oral cavity. The restorations are then attached to the abutment.

Implants are a highly successful way to treat edentulous areas in the mouth when properly diagnosed and treatment planned.

Two Implant Retained Bottom or Mandibular Denture
Implant retained bridges before and after multi-disciplinary treatment