Dental Implants

Dental implants have been part of Dr. Joseph Valenzi’s dental practice for more than 20 years. Using the latest techniques and modern equipment, White Wolf Dental offers patients a wide range of implant options. Dental implants are quickly becoming the most popular choice for tooth replacement.

Dental implants are used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. While your natural teeth are designed to last a lifetime, sometimes they don’t. Replacing missing teeth is important to your overall health. Most people do not realize the total-body affect a missing tooth can create.

Physical changes begin to take place when tooth loss occurs. Bones in your mouth and jaws begin to deteriorate. Gums shrink. Your jaw changes alignment. You can’t chew your food as efficiently, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Improper nutrition can lead to health problems; particularly heart disease and some cancers.

In addition to physical changes, tooth loss oftentimes has a mental and emotional affect. If the missing tooth is obvious to others, you begin to cover your mouth or alter your smile so no one sees the gap. You spend a lot of time focused on hiding your smile, which takes you away from engaging in the moment. You become self-conscious and
embarrassed.

At White Wolf Dental, we want to help you transform your life by providing you with the smile you desire and deserve. Many of our patients have engaged in total life makeovers sparked by the magic of dental implants.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are substitutes for the roots of missing teeth. They act as an anchor for a replacement tooth or crown, or a set of replacement teeth. When you lose a tooth, not only do you lose chewing ability, but un-replaced teeth can cause other teeth to be lost, tipped or crowded. This can lead to subsequent dental or health problems. Dental implants should be a top consideration for replacing failing or missing teeth. Replacing lost teeth with dental implants has been used for more than 50 years and is recognized as an effective treatment choice.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are a wonderful way to restore loose or ill-fitting dentures. Securing dentures with implants provides much better retention and eliminates the need for plastic palates. Implants allow denture wearers to eat a variety of foods typically prohibited by traditional dentures because they impact the same force for biting as natural teeth. Dentures secured by implants are stable and do not move around when you chew or talk. Not only do they provide the freedom to eat whatever you want, they also eliminate the worry of having your denture fall out while you are eating, laughing, spending time with family or friends, or during an important business meeting. Dental implants are considered more predictable than bridgework, resin bonded bridges and endodontic treatment.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

In order to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants, Dr. Valenzi will perform a thorough examination to determine the condition of your jaws, gums and teeth. Diagnostic tests such as X-rays and blood tests may be required. Your dental and medical history will be carefully evaluated. Good candidates for dental implants must have sufficient jawbone to support the implant. In some instances, bone grafts are required to add bone height and width. Additionally, the jaw bones must be dense enough to hold the implant in place. Gum health is of the utmost importance to ensure proper healing after dental implant surgery. Candidates for dental implants must be willing to commit to exceptional oral hygiene. Smokers should consider quitting prior to obtaining implant surgery. Studies show dental implants fail more frequently in people who smoke. Additionally, smokers tend to heal slower and are more susceptible to infections.

What if I Don’t Have Enough Bone to Support Dental Implants?

It is important for patients to have enough bone to support the implant. If you do not have enough bone, there are many safe and effective ways to correct bone deficiency. Dr. Valenzi thoroughly assesses your bone density. If additional bone material is required, Dr. Valenzi will discuss all treatment options; along with the pros and cons of each.

Are There Different Kinds of Dental Implants?

Yes. Dental implants come in all sizes, shapes and brands. Dr. Valenzi uses a variety of systems and techniques to determine the appropriate implant for your dental needs.

How Much Time Does Implant Dentistry Require?

Implant dentistry treatment time will vary depending on your needs. Each individual is unique and requires personal evaluation. Once Dr. Valenzi evaluates your situation, he will provide you with a variety of treatment options; along with an anticipated timetable.

Who Should I Consult for Dental Implant Treatment?

We hope your first call will be to White Wolf Dental Group. Dr. Valenzi is AAID credited and possesses the training, experience and credentials to provide you with the finest dental implant treatment available. Dr. Valenzi attended the internationally known, implantology Maxi-Course; an intense one-year program offered through the Medical College of Georgia. In 2004, Dr. Valenzi was presented with the prestigious International Congress of Oral Implantology Fellowship Award. Dentists who receive this award must undergo considerable scrutiny and possess strong skills in dental implant techniques. The Academy of Implant Dentistry honored Dr. Valenzi as an Associate Fellow of Implant Dentistry in October 2005. Associate Fellows must undergo an extensive verifiable credentialing process, meet educational and experimental requirements, and pass a rigid exam.

We are happy to answer any questions you may have about dental implants. To arrange a consultation, contact us at 386-304-1181.

Visit our Smile Gallery to view Dr. Valenzi’s “Before and After” Patient Photos!

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Call us today to schedule your dental implant consultation
386-304-1181