Dental Implants
The Most Natural Replacement for Missing Teeth

Experts in Dental Implants

Dr. Braun has been extensively trained in all types of implants, and in many cases, he can perform extraction of teeth and immediate placement of dental implants the same day.

His philosophy is to combine as much therapy as possible and safe treatment to reduce treatment and healing time.

Dr. Braun strives to make implants as comfortable as possible. The ultimate compliment is if you can’t even tell that the implant is there! He also highly values patient education. One of his main priorities is ensuring your complete understanding of dental implants and your options before proceeding. You can be assured all of your questions and concerns will be answered.

Replacing a Missing Tooth

A natural tooth is anchored into the jawbone by its tooth root. Tooth roots attach firmly to the jawbone and keep your teeth stable when chewing solid foods.

Traditionally, if you were missing a tooth or if one needed to be extracted, the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth would be cut down and the whole thing replaced with a three-crown “bridge”.

Dental implants are the modern alternative. Instead of cutting down two perfectly healthy teeth, the practitioner inserts a dental post (dental implant) into the jawbone to replace your missing tooth root. This post becomes solidly fixed into your jaw (like a natural tooth root). Your general dentist then places a crown onto this artificial tooth root that looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth.

Natural Tooth Root

Dental Implant

Quite simply, dental implants are the most natural and conservative replacement for missing teeth.

Replacing Several Missing Teeth

Traditionally, several missing teeth would have been replaced with a removable partial or full denture.

Dentures have to be taken out and soaked at night. During the day, they can also look unnatural and rub painfully. Dentures and partials make it difficult or impossible to eat certain foods.

Dental implants can now be used to anchor partial and full dentures. This prevents the slipping, irritation, and pain associated with “floating” partials and dentures. It also

prevents the tedious removal of dentures for overnight soaking and cleaning. With dental implants, these restorations are firmly anchored to the jawbone, causing them to feel much more like natural teeth.

Natural tooth roots and dental implant posts are fixed firmly in your jawbone. When you chew, these tooth roots and posts stimulate the jawbone and prevent it from shrinking. You may have seen a person who looked prematurely old because their jawbone had shrunk after wearing floating dentures. Dental implants help preserve your jawbone and appearance.

The Success Rate of Dental Implants

After their healing period, the success rate of dental implants is between 94% and 98%. If you are a non-smoker with good oral hygiene, the percentage is closer to 98%.

Does the Procedure Hurt?

The pain involved with receiving a dental implant is similar to that of having a cavity filled. It is often done under local anesthesia and patients generally experience little discomfort after the procedure. Patients usually resume their normal schedule the following day.

How Long Will Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants become fixed to the jawbone. The longest study of the technique Dr Braun uses the in placement of dental implants is over 35 years old and the survival rate of the implants is over 80%. This study does not include the improvement in implants since that time. With good oral hygiene and regular cleanings, dental implants should last a lifetime. In contrast, the average life span of a traditional fixed bridge is between 10-15 years.

Lack of stimulation and pressure on the residual ridge.

Bone Regeneration

A critical question in determining whether an implant can be placed is, “Is there enough bone to support the implant?” Fortunately, advanced bone regeneration techniques now make it possible to place implants in many areas that were not able to receive implants just 10 years ago.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

In general, if your health is stable and any medical conditions are under control, you are a candidate for dental implants.

The first step to determining your unique treatment plan, is a comprehensive examination. Click here to schedule an appointment.