Dental Implants

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and facial contours will be preserved.

The implants are tiny titanium posts which are placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium to create a strong foundation for artificial teeth (dentures) and crowns. In addition, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, and prevent the bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.

Dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh, and enjoy life.

Evaluation for Dental Implants

If, like many others, you believe implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by either the dentist at All Smiles Dental or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon referred by our practice.

Your questions and concerns are important to us, and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.

Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants are metal anchors which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed by dentist into the jawbone. Small portions of the implants may protrude through the gums. The protruding portion provides stable anchors for artificial replacement of missing teeth.

For most patients, the placement of conventional or mini dental implants may involve two procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. Following placement, the implant’s portions that are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bond with the jawbone.

You should be able to wear your current dentures or temporary crowns and eat a soft diet during this time. Following the placement of the dental implants, the dentist's will fabricate the new final crowns, or if needed, new dentures. Ultimately, the dental implants will help improve both denture function, crown retention, and overall aesthetics.

Mini dental implant procedures are minimally invasive, highly affordable, and usually completed over a shorter period of time than conventional implants. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life with smaller diameter implants. Mini dental implants are the treatment of choice for attaching dentures to implants.

Conventional implants, on the other hand, are the treatment of choice for single or multiple-tooth replacement using crowns. When the patient’s health allows it and the amount of the jaw bone is sufficient, conventional implants are normally the best treatment choice for single and multiple tooth replacement. In the event the patient is not a good candidate for conventional implants, mini dental implants are a good alternative.

American Dental Association Maine Dental Association Academy of Genreal Dentistry