Dental Implants: Facts and Procedures

Approximately 49% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 64 are missing at least one tooth. Dental Implants are the most advanced tooth replacements. Nine out of ten implants last longer than 15 years. They never develop decay, they never require root canal treatments. And there are no age restrictions: patients receive implant treatment when they are in their 90s!

There are two basic uses for Dental Implants: (1) As an artificial root for a tooth replacement or (2) as an anchor for a fixed or removable denture to replace multiple teeth. One very important benefit of implants is that they prevent premature aging by delaying the shrinking of bone and gum tissue from the area of the missing tooth.

How Are Dental Implants Placed?
As a first step, Dr. Bishop gently folds the gum back and  prepares a space for the implant. After that the Dental Implant "anchor" is put into place.

Dr. Bishop places a temporary cap on the implant. The gum tissue is repositioned around the implant and is left alone for several months so the bone can attach to the implant and create a 'secure' anchor.

After the implant attaches itself to the bone tissue, the temporary cap is removed from the anchor and a post is attached to the anchor.

Dr. Bishop takes an impression of the impalnt to prepare the appropriate prosthesis: a Crown, Bridge or Overdenture, which will be attached to the implant as a last step.