Dental Implants
Fully Restore Missing Teeth
A dental implant is an option for tooth replacement that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. Dental implants are made up of a titanium implant post, an abutment, and a custom crown. Together, these parts fully replicate the function and appearance of a natural tooth.
Dr. Hudson is a board-certified oral surgeon and physician who specializes in placing implants and restoring smiles. If you are in Huntsville or are looking for a long-term solution for missing teeth, contact Huntsville Oral Surgery & Dental Implants to schedule an appointment.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Permanent.
The implant post fuses to the jaw bone, creating a solid foundation as a permanent addition to your smile.
Healthy.
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that prevents jaw bone atrophy by stimulating the bone during chewing.
Versatility.
You can receive a single dental implant, multiple implants, or even a completely new smile that uses several implant posts to support a fixed denture.
Convenience.
Your dental implant remains in your mouth during eating and brushing, unlike removable dentures, and you care for it just like a natural tooth with regular brushing and flossing.
Confidence.
Your smile is as unique as you are, and you should be proud to show it off! With a complete dental arch, you can feel confident in your smile again.
Why Restore a Missing Tooth?
Your teeth’s roots are embedded into your jaw bone and provide stimulation when chewing. When a tooth is missing, the bone does not receive the stimulation it needs to stay healthy, causing it to deteriorate over time. Jaw bone loss can cause facial features to sag and can lead to more costly and complex bone repair surgery in the future. Additionally, adjacent teeth can shift into the empty spot.
Leaving a missing tooth untreated puts your oral health at risk. Regain your smile and protect your health by choosing dental implants to replace missing or failing teeth.
Types of Dental Implants
Dr. Hudson will determine the right type of implant for your restoration needs. Huntsville Oral Surgery & Dental Implants offers many different dental implant treatments, including:
- Single Tooth Replacement. One implant replaces one missing tooth. This can be done as often as needed throughout your mouth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge. When you receive a traditional bridge, your healthy teeth must be grinded down to fit it. Instead, using dental implants to support the bridge protects your other teeth while cosmetically restoring the empty space.
- Immediate Implants. Dr. Hudson can place an implant post into the tooth socket on the same day a tooth is extracted, provided you have enough jaw bone to support it. This reduces the number of appointments needed to restore the missing tooth.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dr. Hudson will perform an oral examination during your first visit, and we will likely take 3D scans of your mouth. These detailed digital images help us plan exactly where the implant will go and helps to avoid facial nerves. During the consultation, we will also discuss your options for anesthesia. Many patients experience little to no discomfort with local anesthesia, which only numbs the surgical site, but we offer other options to keep patients comfortable.
During surgery, Dr. Hudson will make a small incision in the gum tissue and place the implant post, then dissolvable sutures as necessary. The post will fuse to the jaw bone over the next several months, and during your recovery, Dr. Hudson will place the connecting abutment. You may be given a temporary crown to wear. Once fully healed, your restorative dentist will place the final, custom-made crown. Your crown is designed specifically for you and will match the shape and color of your other teeth.
Dental Implant Cost and Value
The cost of receiving a dental implant depends on how many you need, your choice of anesthesia, your insurance, and if you require additional procedures. Patients with inadequate jaw bone may receive a bone graft to regrow bone in that area. We will discuss all of these factors with you and provide a cost estimate during the consultation.
Often, patients with removable dentures find them to be embarrassing. Dentures must be replaced every few years and removed to eat and clean. Bridges or dentures do not protect the jaw bone, which increases the risk of bone atrophy. Dental implants, on the other hand, have a high success rate and remain in the mouth at all times. Patients care for dental implants just like other teeth, unlike dentures which require special rinses. With proper care and good oral hygiene, dental implants will not need to be replaced and can last a lifetime.
Types of Anesthesia
Your comfort is important to us. We proudly offer several options for anesthesia and sedation.
Hear From Dental Implant Patients
These patients can tell you about the firsthand experience undergoing dental implant treatment at our office.
Reviews From Our Dental Implant Patients
"My name’s Lyn. I’m from Athens, Alabama. I came to see Dr. Hudson for extractions, bone grafts, and dental implants. This office made me feel so comfortable. They made me relaxed. Dr. Hudson’s very, very down-to-earth. He’s very compassionate and understanding, and works with you to tell you exactly what your options are. My life after having the work done has been fabulous. The work that’s done gives you confidence. For my friends and family in Hartselle and Priceville and Decatur and surrounding areas, I would highly recommend Huntsville Oral Surgery & Dental Implants."
"Hi, I’m Maxine and I came to Dr. Hudson for bone grafts and dental implants. Dr. Hudson is such a personable person that you feel at ease. He explains everything, and that helps you feel comfortable—just a great person to have in your life. The staff is very organized and they just make you feel comfortable. After the procedure, it just feels good. I can eat whatever I want and I feel more comfortable when I talk. I am more than happy that I have the dental implants. For my friends in Madison and Cullman, I would highly recommend Huntsville Oral Surgery & Dental Implants."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is not suitable for dental implants?
Patients with suppressed immune systems, cancer, or severe bone loss may not be candidates for dental implants. To see if you qualify, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hudson for an evaluation.
Do dental implants hurt?
We make every effort to keep patients as comfortable as possible during treatment. The surgery itself is performed with a form of anesthesia or sedation, and our instructions outline how to minimize discomfort throughout the healing process. Most post-surgical pain can be managed with ice packs and over-the-counter pain medications.
Do dental implants feel real?
Yes, dental implants look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth. The implant post is designed to replicate a tooth’s root, both in appearance and functionality. A dental implant does not feel or look any different than natural teeth.
Improve Your Oral Health Today
Prepare for your consultation, learn more about the services we offer, or get in contact with our office.