Advanced Dental Implants near Birmingham, AL

If you are missing a tooth, having an empty space in your smile can damage more than your confidence alone. Our jawbones actually deteriorate over time when teeth are missing. This bone loss not only contributes to a gaunt or aged look but also puts us at risk for shifting teeth, tooth decay, and further loss of surrounding teeth.

Dental implants halt bone loss, providing the foundation for artificial teeth that perform much better than dentures. These small titanium posts actually bond with your jawbone, acting just like your tooth roots once healed. Once the bond is complete, your cosmetic dentist can place the artificial replacement teeth---and you can feel confident with a smile that looks and feels natural.

At Maniscalco Oral Surgery and Implant Center, our advanced dental implant technology allows us to perform single-stage implants, saving many patients the inconvenience of undergoing two separate procedures. In some situations, we can even place dental implants while extracting a tooth for the most seamless recovery and reconstruction process possible.

What to Expect from Dental Implant Surgery

Traditionally, dental implant placement involves two separate procedures. The first is to place the foundational implants into your jawbone, beneath the gums. In the second, we uncover the implants and add posts that protrude above the gums, which serve as anchors for the artificial teeth. These procedures are spaced 3 to 6 months apart to allow time for your jaw to bond successfully with the implant.

Because we continually invest in the latest tools and techniques, we are also able to provide single-stage implants for many of our patients. You'll still need to wait 3 months (lower jaw) or 5-6 months (upper jaw) to have your new artificial teeth placed, but you won't have to come in for a second visit to have the implants uncovered.

X-Guide® 3D Navigation for Dental Implants

At Maniscalco Oral Surgery and Implant Center, we use innovative X-Guide technology to help our surgeons place implants precisely where they're needed. Using advanced software and a radiation-free camera system, our team can pre-plan ideal implant locations based on your anatomy. From there, your surgeon will have unmatched control and precision during the placement process.

During surgery, we place a lightweight clip in your mouth that provides real-time 3D images of your jawbone, teeth, and soft tissues. With step-by-step guidance similar to GPS navigation, our doctors can tailor treatment to your unique anatomy, guaranteeing ideal functional and aesthetic results. Utilizing this advanced imaging and planning software, you can enjoy comfortable, precision implant placement along with a quick recovery.

Helpful Oral Surgery Links

Bone Grafting

If you have already experienced bone loss and do not have enough jawbone to secure implants, you have options! Bone grafting can help you build a strong foundation for artificial teeth.

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Extractions

Whether you have a broken tooth, dental trauma, or any other reason for needing a tooth extraction, our doctors can help---and speak to you about your various replacement options.

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Surgical Instructions

Preparing for a dental implant procedure? Download our helpful post-operative care instructions so you know how to prepare.

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Dental Implant FAQs

What happens if I don't replace my missing tooth?

Many people think that a missing tooth is a cosmetic concern alone, but an empty socket in your jaw can have oral health consequences. When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth lose a support system and tend to shift, interfering with your natural bite pattern. Crooked teeth are also harder to clean properly, which could further aggravate tooth decay issues.

Most of all, however, is that the body begins to reabsorb the minerals in your jawbone for use elsewhere, weakening your jaw. In the worst cases, patients can lose the natural contours of their face, their ability to chew foods, and even speak in their usual way.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants have a number of advantages over other prosthetic solutions such as dentures and fixed bridges.

They're permanent: Dental implants stay in place, meaning you never have to undergo the surgery again. The implants stay in place so the patient is able to brush and floss them like you would for natural teeth. Removable dentures or partials are also an option that the patient would need to remove each night before bed.
They preserve your facial contours: because the implant acts like a tooth root, patients usually can avoid the normal bone loss that occurs after missing a tooth for a prolonged period of time, to preserve the deterioration or changes to your facial profile over time.
They function like natural teeth: you can eat virtually anything with dental implants, which can't be said for dentures.
They don't damage surrounding teeth: dental implants do not cause decay and cavities in nearby teeth.
The process is efficient: bridges require grinding down of the adjacent teeth to put crowns on them whether they need it or not to support the fake crown in the middle. With Dental Implants, you don't have to touch the adjacent teeth at all.

Do dental implants hurt?

Because placement of dental implants is a minor surgery, patients should expect for a few days as they recover, as with any other surgical procedure. However, with our range of anesthesia options, dedicated care team, and advanced techniques that often require fewer procedures overall, the Maniscalco Oral Surgery and Implant Center team have many tools to reduce pain and maximize your comfort.

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