Dental Implants, Salt Lake City Utah

Replace Missing Teeth

Your teeth affect your whole body. When they’re healthy, you’re healthier too. A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech and eating choices. As you rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the chance they will wear out prematurely, or be damaged or lost. You may also experience headaches and/or jaw pain.

Restore Missing Teeth With Strong Replacements

Call us: 801-262-7447

Do You Have Missing Teeth?

Who would want their appearance and health to deteriorate? That’s the natural consequence of missing teeth – the jaw literally melts away. Generally, people will lose 25% of their supporting jaw bone structure within the first year after tooth loss. Dental implants are more easily placed when teeth are first extracted because bone replacement becomes more complex as time passes. The great news? Implants act just like your natural teeth. They safeguard and preserve your bone structure, oral health and appearance. Your dentist and the implant surgeon will provide you with options so that you can make the most informed decision concerning tooth replacement.

Read our dental implant patient reviews below.

Tooth Replacement Options

You can select from a number of different options to replace your missing teeth – from temporary to long-lasting solutions.

A good candidate is anyone missing one or more teeth, or who is unhappy with their dentures. Age is not a factor. However, smoking, diseases such as diabetes, and radiation therapy to the area, have been shown to lower the success rate of implant placement. X-rays of your jaw will be taken to evaluate whether they will accommodate implants. Detailed x-rays may also be required to determine if other tests or procedures are needed to place implants properly.

Illustration of a dental fixed bridge to replace a missing upper front tooth

Fixed Bridge

A fixed bridge is a connected set of replacement teeth. For support, it is cemented into position on top of the teeth adjacent to the empty space. The protective outer layer of these teeth is usually removed or ground down prior to attaching the bridge.

Illustration of a removable retainer with a plastic upper tooth, known as a Flipper

Flipper

A fragile, temporary and inexpensive solution is a removable plastic tooth with a plastic retainer, often called a “flipper”.

Illustration of a sturdy partial denture cast in metal and plastic to replace missing back teeth

Metal Partial

A less fragile option is a removable partial denture cast in metal and plastic. It is held in place by wire clips. A removable partial denture can be removed and reinserted when required by the patient.

Illustration of a full denture for the entire lower jaw to replace all missing teeth

Denture

The most common solution, for people missing all teeth in one or both jaws are complete dentures. Some people adapt well to dentures. Others find them uncomfortable, even intolerable, because of differences in jaw size and shape.

Lower jaw bone illustration of a permanent dental implant and crown to replace a missing tooth

Dental Implants

Dental implants are the most comfortable and permanent solution. They form a strong foundation for teeth and keep the jaw healthy and strong. Implants support individual replacement teeth or secure specialized dentures in place. Unlike bridges, no healthy teeth are damaged. Unlike most bridges, implants can last a lifetime. Implant-supported replacement teeth can be attractive, stable, and comfortable for almost any patient.

Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?

There are several reasons: A dental bridge can sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge the space of the missing tooth/teeth. In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient, not to mention dentures that slip can be uncomfortable and rather embarrassing.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.

Dental Implants Presentation

A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium – the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.

Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.

Photo of a smiling elderly man

“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”

For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.

Surgical Advances

Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Adams and Dr. Gladwell are able to place single-stage implants. These implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.

Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Drs. Adams or Gladwell performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.


Patient Reviews: Dental Implants

Please read testimonials from our patients, below. If you wish to rate your dental implant experience with Oral & Facial Reconstructive Surgeons of Utah, we invite you to fill out an online patient review. Call our office if you would like more information: Oral & Facial Reconstructive Surgeons of Utah SLC Office Phone Number 801-262-7447.

Oral & Facial Reconstructive Surgeons of Utah

5 out of 5 stars based on 14 Dental Implants reviews.

Patient Testimonial by Diane G

Great experience -staff is friendly and efficient. Dr Gladwell is both skilled and personable and took the time to thoroughly explain the procedure and answer any questions I had. Would highly recommend.

- Diane G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial by michael s

Wonderful dental surgeon. Excellent care. Good communicator. Very efficient and effective. The office was very polite and professional. 10 out of 10 in all regards. I highly recommend this office to my friends and family. Thank you.

- michael s

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial by Alan G

Had 3 other consultations ands Bids.Dr.Gladwell far exceeded the Quality and service of all other bids. He added extra procedures to make sure i would have the best longest lasting implants possible witout charging me extra. Would definately suggest any one considering full implants talk with Dr.Gladwell.

- Alan G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial by Linette H

I think I've covered everything. I highly recommend Dr. Gladwell!!

- Linette H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial by Ron C

Dr. Adams is the bomb. He truly cares about his patients. His office staff is number 1. I was very fortunate to be referred to him and have my procedure done by him.

- Ron C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial by Frank Y

Excellent overall expert

- Frank Y

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial by Margaret F

This office has the kindest and most friendly staff I’ve ever experienced! Thank you!

- Margaret F

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial by Deidra D

Dr. Nathan Adams is the best! From my first visit I felt his professionalism and expertise. He explained the procedures in detail and happily answered any questions I had. I did not feel any pain throughout the procedures he performed. He even called me the evening of each procedure to check on me and see if I had any questions. This is what I call "The gold standard" of care. I will definitely recommend him to family and friends.

- Deidra D

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial by Carol G

I have had two dental implants, the last one requiring bone grafting. Not pleasant procedures but Dr. Gladwell and his staff are fantastic and make it as smooth and painless as possible. I would never hesitate to recommend them and if I need another procedure in the future I will certainly go back to Dr. Gladwell.

- Carol G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial by Larry H

I have had several implants done by Dr. Adams and his staff and couldn’t be happier with every aspect of care I have received. I would and have recommend them to anyone who wants exceptional care. I can’t thank them enough for taking such good care of my wife and myself.

- Larry H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial by David G

I have had 2 procedures dine by Dr. Gladwell. First removal of an incorrectly done implant. The implant done by a general dentist ( not Dr. Evans) was not implanted deep enough (threads exposed), bone not allowed time to heal and crooked. No crown would ever fit. Dr. Gladwell recognized the problem, removed the implant and completed a bone graft using powder and my own DNA (blood) to heal the bone. Worked perfectly and now just waiting to schedule the future implant. Second done just a week ago, removed a tooth from a broken crown (done by the old dentist, not Dr. Evans) because the tooth broke below the gumline. Healing fine. Excellent care

- David G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial by Bart T

Wonderful experience

- Bart T

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial by Roger T

Very pleased with the whole experience.

- Roger T

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial

Excellent surgeon, wonderful office!!

- Anonymous

5 out of 5 stars on

Schedule Your Smile Restoration Today

Call us: 801-262-7447


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Contact Oral & Facial Reconstructive Surgeons of Utah

New Patients: The first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment. Please contact our office by phone or complete the appointment request form below. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment. Please do not transmit private data on this form.
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