Dental Implants & Implant Crowns

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or Periodontist - a specialist of the gums and supporting bone. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!

Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

Reasons for dental implants:

  • Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
  • Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
  • Restore a patient’s confident smile.
  • Restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
  • Restore or enhance facial tissues.
  • Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

What does getting dental implants involve?

The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.

X-rays and impressions are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant.  While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months. Depending on the type of implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the implant crown in place. 

After several weeks of healing the implant crown is made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor. Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete. After a healing period, the implant crown is securely attached to the implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.

You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.

Testimonials.

Read what people are saying about us.

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Testimonials

Dr. Loughlin had a great chairside manner! He explained all my options and didn't talk down to me. I like that his treatment plan started from the simplest, least expensive solution instead going with the most expensive and extensive option.

Charlene B.

Dr. Laughlin is amazing. He is kind, patient, gentle and honest! I had a previous dentist talk me into a bunch of cosmetic dentistry I didn’t need and the work was done poorly. At the time, I was very self conscious about my smile. I wanted some bonding and needed a couple implants due to bruxism. My previous dentist talked me into getting crowns on all my healthy upper teeth to “improve my bite.” The work was so bad another dentist told me to hire an attorney and recommended I see Dr. Laughlin. I‘m so grateful I did.

Unlike other dentists who have acted like I’m being a diva for feeling like the bite or the color is off, Dr. Laughlin ordered a new crown when he noticed the color was not quite the shade we spoke about. I told him I thought it would be ok but he said we are striving for perfection. I’ve never had this kind of experience in a dental chair. He placed the other crown for me as a temp and swapped them out when the new one arrived. He is so generous with his time and his staff is wonderful. I’ll be redoing all my previous work with him.

I also love that it is a private office. I hate going to dentists with a somewhat open floor plan. Who wants a bunch of people walking by looking at you while you are having dental work done?!

Unfortunately, he is out of my network but I would have saved money in the long run if I had gone to him first. To anyone looking for high quality cosmetic dentistry, I can not say enough about Alamo Prosthodontics!

Cristine K.

It was my great surprise and relief when I was worked in as an emergency for the loss of a filling in my tooth due to lighting down on bread at a local restaurant. Dianne the receptionist of many years was so understanding and concerned to help me get worked in rapidly the staff of Ci Ci and others was most sympathetic about my condition. I had to leave town the next day for 2 days and they worked me in before I had to leave town.
They explained the needed procedure after the dentist's evaluation and friendly manner of describing what needs to be done and putting my mind at ease that repair would be uncomplicated.

What a great place to trust your dental care to!! Caring, concern, sympathetic listening, and desire to let me know the alternatives of care make me a return patient for years to come.

David T.

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