A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.
Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.
For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, our doctors are able to place implants and restore the teeth in the same surgery. Often called “teeth in a day”, teeth can be removed, implants placed and new teeth made and inserted in a single day.
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Our surgeons work with dentists in the community, dentists in our school, and we even have our own prosthodontist (tooth-replacement specialist) to make the teeth after the implants are inserted.
Our new modern clinic is designed to provide safe general anesthesia for the surgical phase of treatment and laboratory support for the preparation of the new teeth.
The practices below offer this specialty care. Select a practice that best meets your budget and availability for appointments.
Our clinic provides the evaluation, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gum and bone supporting the teeth. Top services: gum recession treatment, bone grafts and dental implants.
Average Cost: Equal to private practice
Appointment Time: Equal to private practice
Education: Specialists who also teach at the School of Dentistry
Services at this clinic are performed at reduced prices because students are working under the supervision of board-certified dentists on faculty. The educational nature of the clinic requires extra time for appointments and the types of services offered depends on the training needed by students at that time.
Average Cost: 60 - 70% less than private practice
Appointment Time: 3-4 hour appointments
Education: Dental students under the guidance of faculty dentists
We offer surgical services for those who need removal of teeth, replacement of teeth with dental implants, correction of their bites and facial cosmetic surgery. Top services: dental implants, TMJ (jaw joint) treatment, wisdom teeth removal, extractions, bone grafts and cleft lip and palate treatment.
Average Cost: Fees average 60% of the cost of private practice
Appointment Time: Slightly longer than private practice
Education: Graduate dentists completing advanced training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery