Dental Implants

Dental implants could improve your quality of life, confidence, and appearance if you are missing teeth due to extraction, injury, or disease. Implants are small titanium posts placed into the jaw. Each post fuses directly into the jawbone to support a crown, denture, or bridge.

Tooth loss can hinder your ability to speak and chew. When teeth are not replaced, more than cosmetic issues should be expected. Remaining teeth drift, moving toward the space left by lost teeth. They shift to redistribute chewing forces, but the result is malocclusion. Upper and lower teeth no longer come together properly, so a person’s bite becomes compromised. This condition, known as malocclusion, can lead to tooth cracks and breakage, teeth grinding (bruxism), TMJ disorder, and associated symptoms, ranging from headaches and earaches to jaw pain and tingling fingers. Replacing teeth, therefore, is extremely important.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium posts placed directly in the jaw, into empty sockets where teeth roots are missing. In a process called osseointegration, the implants fuse with surrounding jawbone and create a permanent anchor for individual replacement teeth (crowns), or a bridge or denture. The number of implants needed depends on the type of prosthetic you’ll receive and, if a crown or bridge, its location in your jaw.

Dental implant restorations look like natural teeth. Crowns and bridges are custom-made in a dental lab to match the brightness of existing teeth, and dentures are made in a shade that looks good with the patient’s complexion.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Single Implant Crowns and Implant-Supported Bridges:

• The implant post can last a lifetime if good oral health is maintained

• Negative effects of missing teeth are avoided, including drifting, malocclusion, wear, the risk of associated further tooth loss, and jawbone degeneration

• Re-establishes proper occlusion for a healthy bite and comfortable oral function

• Re-establishes the ability to chew all varieties of foods, including hard, chewy, and sticky

• Re-establishes a full smile, for improved appearance and self-confidence

Implant-Supported Dentures

In addition to the benefits listed above for crowns and bridges, patients who choose implants to support their dentures can expect:

• No moving, slipping or falling out

• Can be permanently affixed, when appropriate and preferred

• No need for denture adhesive or natural suction

• No denture relining needed, ever

• Emotional boost that comes with the confidence of knowing your teeth are secure and dependable

Ideal Candidates for Dental Implants

During your initial consultation, we will thoroughly examine your jaw and ask about your specific goals. Generally, anyone in good enough health to undergo a routine oral surgery will likely be a good candidate. Patients suffering from gum disease or jawbone degeneration may require periodontal treatment or bone grafting beforehand, to qualify. Healthier patients who visit the dentist routinely, keep good oral hygiene, do not smoke, and do not have diabetes or heart disease, will likely be qualified candidates.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery

The first step is to schedule an initial consultation with one of our doctors. In this consultation, we will evaluate your candidacy and outline a comprehensive treatment plan just for you.

Total treatment and osseointegration (implant and bone fusing) can take three to six months. You will likely wear a temporary prosthetic while your implants stabilize. Once the implants are fully fused, your permanent prosthetic will be crafted and installed. Maintenance is usually as simple as practicing good oral hygiene and making twice-a-year visits for checkups and cleanings.

Contact Us to Discuss Your Dental Implants

Call or contact the Tooth Corner nearest you today to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to overview dental implants and other possible treatment options for replacing your lost teeth.