Dental implants are a great way to replace teeth that are missing as the result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, or an accident. Implants look and feel like your own teeth. They are very strong, so you rarely have to worry about them breaking. Common questions about dental implants are anwered by Dr. Cohen. Since dental implants are placed between other teeth, it is not necessary to grind down healthy teeth, as is needed in preparation for a bridge.

The dental implant procedure: The procedure of getting dental implants starts with x-rays and models of the mouth to measure the bone in the jaw and make sure there is enough healthy bone to place an implant. It takes multiple appointments to restore your mouth with a dental implant. And unlike other offices, Dr. Cohen has been specially trained to place and restore dental implants. So you don't need to go see one dentist for implant placement, and another for the crown. It is truly one stop shopping.

At the first appointment, your mouth will be numbed so that you are comfortable and don't feel any pain. The gum covering the implant site is lifted up, and the titanium implant is fitted into the bone. The gum tissue is then sutured back to place, covering the implant.

With the titanium implant in place, a temporary bridge may be used to provide the look of a tooth while the implant site is healing. During this time, your jaw bone will grow into the implant and secure it in place, a process known as osteo-integration.

It will take anywhere from 4 to 12 months for the implant to be integrated into the bone. The implant is then uncovered, and it is necessary to go through a series of steps which include placing a post in the implant, taking impressions, and having the laboratory fabricate your new tooth.