Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Having missing or broken teeth can be a serious source of embarrassment. At our dental practice, we will work with you to determine the best approach to replacing teeth and help you look and feel your best every day. Our team is committed to helping you find the right solution for missing or damaged teeth and ensuring that you are proud of your smile.

Statistics released by the CDC show that 20 percent of all adults over the age of 65 have lost all of their permanent teeth to gum disease, accident or the effects of aging. Younger people are also at risk—more than half of adults over the age of 20 have lost at least one permanent tooth.

How Dental Implants Can Help

Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing or broken teeth, and consist of three basic parts: the post, the abutment and the crown. These components are designed to work together to create a natural-looking replacement for missing teeth and provide support for these artificial teeth during everyday activities like speaking and eating.

The post is usually made from titanium and is implanted into the bone of the jaw in a surgical procedure.
The abutment provides connection points above the gumline for crowns and below the gumline to the implant.
The crown may be a single tooth or a row of teeth. This part of the implant is fabricated to look and work just like your natural teeth.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

In general, the body or post of the implant works like the root of a natural tooth. The abutment is a connector between the post and the crown, which usually consists of one or more teeth attached to a base.

Our dentists can provide you with detailed information on the procedures and appliances used in dental implants. This will help you feel more confident about the implant process and its expected results.

What to Expect During a Dental Implant Procedure

In most cases, dental implant surgeries are performed in our office on an outpatient basis. It will usually take several months to complete the entire process. The main steps in the dental implant process include:

• Preparing your teeth and jaw to accept the implant, including removing broken teeth and performing bone grafts if necessary
• Implanting the post into the jaw
• Allowing the bone to grow around the implant post for several months
• Attaching the abutment to the implant
• Affixing the crown to the abutment

Once these steps have been completed, you can enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile with no gaps or missing teeth.

Why Would I Need Bone Grafts?

Bone grafts are usually necessary when the bone in the jaw has deteriorated enough to require added help in supporting implants. This damage can occur with aging or advanced forms of gum disease. The bone used in these procedures will be harvested from elsewhere in your body and placed into your jaw to strengthen it. In some cases, a bone substitute will be used to promote bone growth in your jaw.

Depending on the extent of bone loss, we might start the bone grafting process well before the implant is put in place. Bone grafts can also be performed at the same time that your implant is inserted into your jawbone. Our dental experts will provide you with detailed information on why you may require a bone graft and the procedures required to accomplish your goals.

The Implant Surgical Procedure

Dental implant treatment typically involves a good deal of preparation before the three main phases of the process can begin. This may include bone grafting, removal of broken teeth and any other procedures required to prepare for these three steps:

Your oral surgeon will make an incision in your gums to expose the bone in your jaw at the site where the implant will be placed. A hole will be drilled and the post will be placed in it. A period of healing will be required to ensure that the post is securely attached and will provide adequate support for the dental work that will be connected to it.

Once the post is fully integrated into the bone of your jaw, your dentist will make a small incision to allow the abutment to be attached to the implant. Because the abutment protrudes from the gum to allow for the attachment of artificial teeth, this is usually performed in a separate procedure from the insertion of the implant post.

The final step is to connect the crown to the implant. This completes the dental implant procedure.

After Your Surgery

It is important to follow the instructions given by your dentist after your surgical procedure. You may be given medications to reduce pain and promote faster healing, which will help you feel as comfortable as possible.
Benefits of Dental Implants

For many of our patients, the comfort afforded by dental implants is the most important benefit of all. Dental implants can be brushed just like your natural teeth and are designed to blend in seamlessly to create a more attractive smile. Plus, they can help you feel much more confident in your social interactions.

Managing the Cost of Dental Implants

Our dental team will work with you to determine the best way to manage the dental implant cost. We are committed to the highest standards of dental excellence and providing the best results. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation and to learn more about our affordable payment options. We look forward to the chance to help you achieve a beautiful smile.