Implants & Bridges

If one or more of your teeth are missing, there are a number of ways to replace them. Dental implants are an alternative to bridges, partials, or complete dentures. They replace missing roots and support artificial replacement teeth. They are comfortable and look like natural teeth.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is an artificial root made of titanium metal. The dentist inserts it into the jawbone to replace the root of the natural tooth. An artificial replacement tooth attaches to the implant. The implant acts as an anchor to hold the replacement tooth in place.

Who can get dental implants?

If you are in good general health, have healthy gums and have enough bone in the jaw to hold an implant, dental implants might be right for you. If your jawbone has shrunk or if it has not developed normally, you may be able to have a bone graft to build up the bone. A bone graft is a way of adding new bone to your jawbone. Dr. Nathan Grebe will tell you if you are eligible for bone grafting.

What is the dental implant procedure like?

Dr. Nathan Grebe will carefully examine your mouth and take x-rays of your head, jaw, and teeth to find out if dental implants are right for you.
During the first stage of surgery, Dr. Nathan Grebe will put a dental implant into your jawbone beneath the gum tissue and then stitch it back into place. As the tissue heals, the implant will bond with the bone and attach to the gum. It can take several months to heal.
During the second stage of surgery after tissue heals, Dr. Nathan Grebe will attach an abutment to the implant. An abutment is a post that connects the replacement tooth to the implant. In some cases, the first and second stage of implant surgery may be done in one single stage.
Dr. Nathan Grebe attaches an artificial replacement tooth to the abutment. It may take several appointments for the replacement tooth to fit properly.
When replacing several teeth or all of your teeth, a fixed bridge is anchored to your dental implants. A bridge is a dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning an area that has no teeth.

What are bridges?

Dental bridges are a simple and effective way to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made up of one or more artificial teeth that are anchored in place by the natural teeth on either side of the gap. This restoration helps restore your smile and makes everyday tasks like eating and speaking easier. It also helps keep your remaining teeth from shifting out of place over time.

Interested in Bonding or Veneers?

There are more reasons to smile about Invisalign® at our office than you may know. Patients often ask us how Invisalign® treatment compares to braces. Invisalign® is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible