If you are missing teeth and are ready to make the change to get your smile back, dental implants are a great option to consider. Implants offer many different benefits and can totally restore the look and function of your teeth, and can give you back a smile that you’re excited about.
What exactly are dental implants?
Simply put, dental implants are appliances that are placed into your jawbone to replace your natural teeth. They are composed of a fixture, abutment, and crown. The fixture is physically implanted in your jaw, and eventually, will fuse to your jawbone. When it is completely healed, it will be bonded into place and will be strong enough to withstand the pressure of chewing and eating, just like your natural teeth. The abutment is used to connect the fixture to the dental crown. The dental crown caps off the implant and is designed to look like a natural tooth. It will be color-matched and customized so that it looks right at home in your mouth.
Why do I need dental implants?
Missing teeth can be incredibly problematic for your health. They are more than just an inconvenience or a cosmetic eyesore. When a tooth falls out or is extracted, it leaves behind an empty space. Because of this space, the teeth around it are prone to moving. This can ruin the alignment of your bite and can leave your tooth crooked and out of place. Missing teeth also makes you more prone to infection and bacteria and leaves your jaw bone susceptible to deterioration.
What are the implants made from?
Here at our office, we make our dental implants made from titanium. This is because when titanium is inserted the jaw bone grows around it, which will allow the implant to function as a real tooth.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
If you are missing teeth, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. To see if this procedure is right for you, we will schedule a consultation. The ideal candidate will be in good overall health. Additionally, they must have a certain amount of remaining jaw bone mass. Your jaw bone will hold and support the implant. When you are missing teeth, the bone begins to wear away and deteriorate. To make sure that you can properly sustain an implant, we will evaluate your bones and advise accordingly.
How long does the process take from start to finish?
The entire implant process takes several months. On average our patients can go from start to finish somewhere between 6 and 9 months. While this may seem like a long time to some, you will have a beautiful, strong, and life-long smile after the procedure.
How are implants inserted?
Implants are surgically placed into the jaw bone. While this can sound scary, we will use numbing and anesthesia to ensure that you do not feel any pain. At most, you will feel a small amount of pressure as the implant is inserted.
How do I care for my dental implants?
To keep your implants healthy, all you have to do is keep brushing and flossing regularly and overall, maintain your oral health. With proper care, your implants can last for years to come. It is also important to see us regularly so that we can monitor your implant. If the crown cracks or is damaged in some way, make an appointment to come see us as soon as possible.
How do I get started?
Before starting on your implants, we will need to do a few things. First, we will do a complete dental exam with radiographs. We will also go over your oral and health history. At this appointment, we can also discuss other tooth replacement options to ensure that this procedure is right for you. We will also answer any questions that you may have about the implant process. After analyzing your mouth, jaw bone, and X-rays, we will decide if you are a good candidate for implants. If so, we can start the process right away!
Who performs the procedure?
Dental implants must be implanted by an oral surgeon or a periodontist. At our practice, Dr. Dave and Dr. Mike are both well-equipped to perform this procedure. They are here for you every step of the way and will do anything they can to make the implant process as smooth and easy for you as possible.
How can I get started?
Dental implants can change your life and restore your oral health. To start your journey to a healthy, happy smile, give us a call today at (513) 895-9486. We will set up a consultation to see if dental implants are the right choice for you.
