Dental Implants
What are Dental Implants?
If you’ve lost a tooth due to decay or an accident, dental implants provide a long-lasting and seamless replacement option. Implants are a versatile and long-term solution for patients.
Dental implants made from titanium or ceramic are manufactured to the shape and size of a natural tooth root. Titanium is typically used for dental implants due to its durability, strength, and most importantly, its ability to fuse with the bone over time. Ceramic implants made of zirconia have also proven to be a very reliable option so, if you prefer a metal-free option, please ask Dr. Brad about a ceramic implants.
Osseointegration is the process of bone fusing to the implant’s surface. We carefully choose our implants based on the latest technology for this process. Anyone can make an implant strong and durable, but only the best manufacturers are continuing to develop surfaces to best bond with bone. The bone cells attach themselves and bond to the implant during this initial time of healing.
Dental Implant Structure
Dental implants have three parts:
- The implant: A titanium or ceramic screw that serves as a root for your new teeth. This is what permanently attaches to the bone in your jaw.
- The abutment: A permanent, but removable by our doctors, device that connects the titanium or ceramic implant to your new tooth.
- The crown (or prosthetic tooth): This is the part of the tooth that you see and use. It’s usually made of zirconium or porcelain for durability and amazing looks.
THE HOLISTIC ALTERNATIVE
Ceramic Implants
While traditional titanium implants have been the trusted choice for many years, recent advancements in dental technology have introduced a holistic alternative: ceramic implants. Made of biocompatible zirconia, ceramic implants offer a metal-free option for those seeking a more natural look and feel for their dental restorations.
Ceramic implants not only blend seamlessly with the natural color of your teeth, but they also provide exceptional strength and durability. They’re a great choice for individuals with metal sensitivities or those who simply prefer a holistic approach to dental care.
The Benefits of Dental Implants over Bridgework
- Implants are the closest replacement to the look and feel of your natural teeth.
- Implants stimulate bone growth.
- Implants are reliable and have a 95 percent or higher success rate.
- Implants will last a lifetime, whereas bridgework often needs to be replaced every 10-15 years.
- Implants won’t compromise the surrounding teeth.
- Implants will not decay, fracture or be prone to gum disease.
- Implants allow you to eat all of the foods that you would with natural teeth.
- Implants may also improve appearance, speech, self-esteem, and be life-changing.
Types of Dental Implants
Not all dental implant solutions are the same. Depending on how many teeth you are missing and your oral health needs, there are options ranging from single tooth replacements to full-arch restorations. Each type of implant is designed to restore function, comfort, and a natural-looking smile.
Single Tooth Implant
A single tooth implant can be the ideal solution for a missing tooth. It can provide several benefits over alternative restorative options.
By replacing one single tooth and avoiding the traditional bridge, the adjacent teeth don’t need to be altered. A single implant easily provides patients with a beautiful, healthy, and confident smile!
Multiple Tooth Implants
If you are missing more than one tooth, there are several options available. You can replace each tooth one at a time, or you can create an implant-supported bridge. This uses two implants and creates a bridge between them. This is much more convenient than a partial denture and less damaging to your remaining teeth than a traditional bridge.
Full Mouth Dental Implants
For patients needing a complete smile restoration, we offer the innovative Hybridge All-in-One solution. This advanced full-arch dental implant system provides a permanent, fixed alternative to traditional dentures. Using just 5-6 implants per arch, Hybridge can replace up to 12 teeth, offering superior stability and comfort compared to conventional methods. The chrome-cobalt bridge disperses force evenly across all implants, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without worry.
Hybridge is an ideal solution for adults of any age struggling with chronic dental issues or those seeking a permanent alternative to dentures. Our streamlined process significantly reduces treatment time while delivering natural-looking results. With Hybridge, you’ll regain not just your smile, but also your confidence and quality of life.
“At Apex Dental, we’re excited to offer the Hybridge approach because it dramatically reduces the treatment time and complexity for our patients. The process is typically done in one surgery where the patient leaves with fixed same day teeth. This efficient process means fewer appointments and faster results, getting you back to enjoying life with a confident smile sooner than you might think possible.”
— Dr. Brad
“
I searched dental implants in the Kansas City and the West Des Moines areas. Apex Dental was the most friendly and seemed to tolerate my endless string of questions pretty well! Their office is immaculately clean and very orderly.
There is a large staff of maybe 30 people working like crazy every time I have had an appointment. There has never been a long wait and everyone in the office knows what they are doing.
I have had all my teeth removed and implants installed, both lower and upper. There has only been a couple of days of very mild discomfort. The only pain medicine I needed was Tylenol.
So if you are considering any kind of dental work I would give Apex my highest recommendation. Dr. Brad is one of the nicest and smartest people you will ever meet and his staff is second to none!
— Charles S.
What to Expect When Getting Dental Implants
What to Expect When Getting Dental Implants
1
Consultation & Planning
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation and 3D CBCT imaging. These detailed scans let Dr. Brad evaluate your bone, nerves, and sinuses to plan implant placement precisely. If there isn’t enough bone, he may recommend bone grafting or sinus augmentation to create a strong foundation for your implant.
2
Implant Placement and Healing
Using your digital scans as a guide, Dr. Brad places the implant securely into your jawbone under local anesthesia, nitrous, or IV sedation. A healing collar is placed to protect the area while your bone naturally integrates with the implant over the next three to four months. This phase builds the stability needed for lasting results.
3
Restoration, Final Tooth, & Long-Term Success
Once healing is complete, an abutment is attached and a digital impression is taken for your custom crown. Your final crown is crafted for a perfect fit, appearance, and function. With a success rate of over 95 percent, dental implants are one of the most predictable and effective treatments in modern dentistry. Dr. Brad and the Apex Dental team will ensure your implant looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth for years to come.
Ready to love your smile?
Request a consultation today and experience dental care that puts YOU first.
Dentists who put your comfort, confidence, and whole health first.
725 S 51st St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Monday–Thursday, 8AM–5PM
