A dental implant is a bio-compatible, man-made substitute to replace missing tooth roots. It is usually made of a space-age alloy of titanium. Dental Implants come in various shapes and sizes to fit the situation. Most are cylinders placed in to bone and allowed to heal undisturbed while bone heals around them, locking them in like an anchor. After a few months, the implants are used as a foundation for replacing the missing teeth. Dental implants restore lost chewing ability, improve appearance, end embarrassment, and give real self-confidence to patients who need them. They are a real breakthrough.
So you may want to ask your dentist, “implants cost about how much?” Remember dental implants repair broken teeth and missing teeth and provide a permanent cosmetic dental solution. If you have multiple missing teeth, implants are probably a better long term solution than dentures. If you have a single missing tooth, implants may still be the solution for you although other options may be available to you, such as a dental bridge.
“I had been terrified of going to the dentist for as long as I could remember. The older I got, the worse my fears got, so I simply quit going. Needless to say, my teeth and gums steadily deteriorated to the point where I had no choice but to do something. I scheduled a consultation with Dr. Martin and left his office feeling impressed and very much at ease. Subsequently, Dr. Martin and his staff performed extensive dental work on my and I can honestly say I experienced little or no discomfort. Almost a year and many visits later, I now view going to see Dr. Martin and his as going to see friends. Dr. Martin has truly given me something to smile about and something to write to smile with.”
John Peddicord, Company Manager
The steps of the implant procedure itself are quite simple.
- If there is a damaged tooth, it must be painlessly removed.
- The actual “implant”, a small grooved or threaded titanium post is planted into your actual jawbone. Another kind, one with a special base, can be attached on top of the jawbone, underneath your gum line. The thickness and type of bone at the implant’s location determine which style post should be used Local anesthesia makes this a comfortable process.
- Your body immediately begins to “bond” either kind of titanium post into place with bone or tissue. This is a very thorough process and may take from three to six months before the next step can begin. Your body does not reject these new materials but ties them in with great strength as if they were a natural part of your own body. You may elect to wear a temporary denture during this binding process, if you choose.
- Once the titanium implant is tightly in place, a wider post is now attached to the titanium implant and your new tooth is attached to this second post with one of the world’s most secure and space age adhesives. Bonding is virtually forever!
- You have a new tooth. You are the only one who knows it’s man-made – and implants are so comfortable you’ll soon forget which one it is.
Your body thinks it’s your own – so will you.
Dental implants are the most stable and economically far-sighted solution to the very real problem of missing teeth. This procedure is one which I have done repeatedly for satisfied patients over many years. My friendly staff also has in-depth training and great experience in this area and will be happy to answer any questions that may come to you.”
My Motown Singing Dentist–A Patient Story
“I learned early to expect pain and to be afraid of the Dentist. I had to have three teeth removed. I had double teeth and a cavity in one of those. This work was done when I was eleven years old. This was my first trip to the Dentist and it was not pleasant. I cried before, during, and after this visit. So I learned early to stay away from the dentist.
I started losing my teeth in the back of my mouth first. This didn’t really bother me until I realized you could see the empty spaces when I smiled or laughed. This was making me self-conscious. I began practicing how to laugh and smile without opening my mouth so as not to show my missing teeth. I also started being envious of people who could smile and laugh showing their teeth. I actually found myself watching other people’s teeth.
Fear continued to keep me away from the Dentist. I continued to see Dr. Martin’s advertisements and one touched me. I needed to find a dentist in Richmond VA and the advertisement told how Dr. Martin had given abused women their smile back. Well, I thought, here’s a dentist with a heart.
I called the office/ got an appointment and found very friendly and competent support staff. I had a couple of them Carey and Roz sweating bullets trying to do an x-ray. These two were having such a difficult time because of a very large bone in the top of my mouth. They kept me comfortable and got the x-ray done. I later met my dentist who sang and hummed Motown songs as he looked around in my mouth.
No matter how bad I thought things were, Dr. Martin had a plan to help me. I needed gum grafts, four implants, three wisdom teeth removed, two bridges and oh, yeah removal of that large bone in the top of my mouth.
It was two weeks before Christmas when we decided to proceed with treatment. Dr. Martin told me we can go ahead and get the gum grafts at the top, the four implants, and oh yes, remove the large bone from the top of my mouth. I agreed but told Dr. Martin that I had to be able to go to work over the Christmas holidays, because I had people that worked with me who were already crying about the Christmas schedule. I had to be at work as scheduled, the only excuse for me missing work would be death.
Dr. Martin scheduled me to come in on a Saturday morning, he completed all of that dental work and I was able to talk to him while he worked. His wonderful assistants kept me comfortable the whole time. (Thanks Jamie and Roz)
Well, I returned to work the following Wednesday. I told my story to everyone and showed them my mouth. Friends and family have been amazed at how well it all went with no swelling, a quick recovery, and little if no pain. It all has been simply amazing. I have more dental work to be done, but I am no longer afraid.
My thanks to all of you.”
Yancine Richardson
Learn more about dental implants and other cosmetic dental procedures by calling our office at 804-320-6800 for your complimentary consultation OR you can request a free report by clicking on the button to the right.
