Dental Implants

Dental implants are an excellent replacement for broken and/or missing teeth.  Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth.  Dental implants are typically made from medical grade titanium.

Some implants can be placed the same day that the tooth is extracted.  Other implants need to be placed after the bone has had adequate time to heal.  Implants typically take 3-4 months to fuse to the bone (osseointegrate) before your restorative dentist can attach the crown to the implant.  Implants can replace a single tooth, several missing teeth, or all of the teeth.  Dr. Pope will discuss all of the replacement options with you at the consultation.

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Cross-sectional diagram of a dental implant labeled: crown, abutment, implant, abutment screw, internal thread (locks abutment screw to implant), and external thread (fuses to bone).

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Close-up of human gums showing a gap where a tooth is missing, with healthy teeth on either side and pink gum tissue visible.

Single Tooth Replacement: Before

Close-up of three upper teeth and gums, showing clean, healthy teeth with slight color differences and minor plaque near the gum line.

Single Tooth Replacement: After

Close-up of the upper gums and teeth inside a mouth, showing missing front teeth with gaps, exposed gums, and adjacent yellowed teeth.

Multiple Teeth Replacement: Before

A close-up of a smiling mouth with pink lipstick, showing straight, white teeth. The skin around the lips appears slightly textured.

Multiple Teeth Replacement: After

Close-up of a persons mouth showing misaligned, discolored, and uneven teeth with gaps and missing teeth. The person is slightly smiling, and facial skin appears aged.

Whole Mouth Teeth Extraction/Replacement: Before

A close-up of a persons mouth, showing straight, white teeth and a small smile. The skin has light stubble and some visible pores and redness.

Whole Mouth Teeth Extraction/Replacement: After (Overdentures)

All-On-4® or “Teeth in a Day”

In some cases, temporary dentures are attached to implants the day of surgery.  This is commonly referred to as a hybrid denture, All-On-4® or “Teeth-In-A-Day.”  These cases require a thorough surgical work-up and good communication between Dr. Pope and your restorative dentist.  While these can be a good restorative option for many patients, not all patients are ideal candidates for a hybrid denture.  Dr. Pope will review all your restorative options at the time of your consultation.

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Close-up of an open mouth showing several missing teeth and severe dental decay. Remaining teeth are discolored, damaged, and misaligned, with visible gum recession and holes in some teeth.

Initial

Close-up view of a persons upper jaw during dental surgery, showing six dental implants inserted into the gum tissue, with visible sutures, blood, and metal implant caps.

Surgery

Close-up view of the upper jaw showing dental implants with abutments and artificial teeth in place, revealing the roof of the mouth and pink gums.

Temporary: Attached the day of surgery

Close-up of a smiling persons mouth showing straight, white teeth and lightly wrinkled skin with a reddish complexion.

Final Restoration