Finest Dental Implants Salt Lake City Dentist

Dr. David Duke, A Leading Salt Lake City Dental Implants Dentist

If you’re like the millions of Americans who suffer from missing teeth or struggle with removable prosthetics, then you’ll want to know about dental implants. This revolutionary tooth-replacement option has transformed the dental industry and given patients with missing teeth a real reason to smile. As Salt Lake City’s premier dental implants dentist, Dr. David Duke provides all phases of implant therapy from his technologically advanced Salt Lake City dental office.

We invite you to call 801-355-2202 for a free consultation.

Anatomy of a Tooth

To understand how dental implants function and why dentists and patients rave about them, it’s helpful to first shed some light on the basic structure of a tooth. If you think of a tooth as a flower or a vegetable, then you can picture the beautiful, healthy portion above the ground, as well as the root that anchors the plant and extends below ground. Similarly, teeth have supporting structures, called roots, which extend below the gum line and anchor the tooth in the jaw bone. Until recently, no artificial tooth replacement attempted to mimic this structure. Until dental implants…

Anatomy of an Implant

Designed to look, function, and feel like natural teeth, dental implants consist of an artificial tooth root, as well as a replacement tooth. The root portion of the implant is made from medical-grade titanium, a biocompatible substance that the body recognizes as native. The crown portion of the implant is usually made from porcelain, which imitates the translucency of a natural tooth. Like tooth roots, dental implants vary in shape and size, so they can better accommodate your jaw structure.

The Implant Process

As your implant dentist, Dr. Duke performs all stages of care, from implant placement to the restoration of the final tooth. Utilizing the latest in cone beam 3-D dental imaging – the iCAT – Dr. Duke comprehensively diagnoses and plans treatment from beginning to end. First, he’ll examine your medical records and oral status to determine your candidacy. Next, he’ll take a 3-D image of your jaw, which allows him to see precisely where the implants need to go. Dr. Duke will perform your implant surgery in the safety and comfort of our Salt Lake City dental office. After a healing period in which the bone fuses to the implant, he’ll secure the crown portion of the implant atop the artificial root, completing your smile and renewing your ability to chew, speak, and smile.

Common Questions:

What are the benefits of dental implants over other prosthetics?

Dental implants pose several benefits over traditional prosthetics, such as bridges, partials, and dentures. Normally, when a tooth falls out, the surrounding bone withers and atrophies. Traditional tooth replacements do nothing to curb this side effect. Dental implants stimulate the surrounding bone tissue, thereby preventing bone loss. In addition, dental implants don’t jeopardize surrounding teeth by relying on them for support, they have a 98% success rate, and they last most people for a lifetime.

My denture lacks retention. Can implants help?

Yes! Kiss your slipping denture goodbye with implant-retained dentures. A few strategically placed implants can permanently secure your lower denture, as well as prevent the bone loss that causes the denture to lose retention over time. To learn if implant-retained dentures are the right solution for your smile, call Dr. Duke and schedule a consultation. Dr. Duke has helped hundreds of patients regain their oral health and self-confidence.

Why do some doctors refer patients to specialists for dental implants?

Some dentists do not have the advanced training or technology required for predictable implant placement. These dentists refer patients to an oral surgeon or periodontist for the implant surgery, and then perform the tooth restoration in their offices. Dr. Duke has taken significant postgraduate coursework in Implantology and invested in the leading 3-D imaging system for quick, comprehensive care.

What’s the cost of dental implants?

The exact cost of your implants will depend on the number you receive, as well as any pre-operative procedures you require. While dental implants tend toward the higher end of the financial spectrum for replacement teeth, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial expense. Traditional replacement teeth need to be replaced every 5 - 10 years and other complications, such as bone atrophy and additional tooth loss, can cause unforeseen costs to escalate. Dental implants are the only tooth-replacement option built to last a lifetime.

Isn’t it time you started loving your smile again? Call Salt Lake City’s leading implant dentist today to reserve your consultation. Dr. Duke’s dental office is conveniently located for North and South Salt Lake City residents.