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Dental Implants

Comprehensive Family Dentistry located in Grandview College area, Des Moines, IA

Dental Implants services offered in Grandview College area, Des Moines, IA

Dental implants are a wonderful way to permanently replace one or more missing teeth. Implant dentistry is an area of specialty for Scott McPherson, DDS, of Ballpark Heights Family Dental in Des Moines, Iowa. Call the office to schedule a consultation, or request one using the online booking feature today.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants offer a permanent solution if you need to replace one or more missing teeth. Implants for single teeth consist of an implanted metal post and an artificial crown. Some systems use a small piece called an abutment to connect the post and crown. 

Because implants are anchored within your bone tissue, they are a permanent replacement option that preserves your bone health. Without stimulation from biting and chewing, your jawbone is subject to resorption, weakening the connection between adjacent teeth and bone and increasing your risk of tooth loss. 

There are also implant systems that secure an entire upper or lower arch of teeth using just four implanted posts. 

What is dental implant restoration?

In many cases, a dental implant lasts a lifetime with no need for additional care. Occasionally, however, the crown portion of the implant becomes damaged and needs to be replaced. 

Dental implant restoration involves removing the damaged crown. Next, the dental lab crafts a new crown to match your surrounding teeth, securing that crown to your implanted post. 

Once that new crown arrives, you return to have Dr. McPherson check its appearance and fit. If he’s happy with how your implant is healing, he connects the crown to the post, completing the restoration. 

When should I come in for dental implant restoration?

It’s important to schedule routine dental exams every six months. This timing allows Dr. McPherson to check your teeth and restorations, including dental implants. If he detects signs of damage, he can restore the implant before it fails. 

If you notice your implant has cracked, chipped, or feels loose, schedule a visit at Ballpark Heights Family Dental immediately. Coming in as soon as you notice a change reduces the risk of more serious damage. 

You can reduce the risk of a broken implant by avoiding things that place undue pressure on the implant components. Biting down on hard, non-food items or chewing ice can cause breakage. Dr. McPherson can create a customized night guard to protect your teeth if you grind your teeth at night. 

Online scheduling is a fast and convenient option when you need to book a visit. You’re also welcome to contact the practice by phone to set up your appointment.

Our most popular treatments
Ballpark Heights Dental. Our team of skilled clinicians follow a comprehensive approach to ensure that every new and returning patient is given personalized care and quality dental services. We are interested in you not just your teeth and want to ensure each trip to the dentist is as comfortable and stress free as possible. We offer all the treatments that you would expect from a family dentist plus we have a particular interest in the following: