Dental implants are an excellent way to replace a missing tooth, multiple teeth, or secure a denture. When properly placed, healed and restored, an implant functions very similar to a tooth. You are able to floss normally and the surrounding teeth remain unaffected. Additional training, experience, and equipment is required for a dentist to properly place implants and to do so safely.  One of the most important pieces of equipment is a CBCT (cone beam computed tomography). The image is often called a cone beam or a 3d image. This expensive piece of equipment ($50,000-$90,000) gives the dentist the ability to see exactly how much bone is available to place an implant. The software also makes it possible to measure the bone and place the implant digitally. This provides crucial information so that the proper size and length of implant can be chosen. While placing implants it is important to avoid certain areas to prevent nerve damage, sinus involvement, hitting adjacent teeth. Appropriate placement also provides the proper spacing when it comes time to attach a crown to the implant.

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