Dental implants are the new modern standard for replacing missing or failing teeth. A dental implant is a screw like device that is placed into the dental bone where it can act as a new, healthy tooth root. Once healed and fully integrated into the bone, the implant can support a new tooth shaped crown, custom made to fit your existing natural teeth.
If multiple teeth are missing/failing, multiple implants can be used to replace a significant portion of teeth. Ultimately, implants can be used to support a prosthesis that replaces every tooth in the mouth if needed.
Implants can return the functionality, esthetics and even the feel of teeth that are missing or need to be replaced. Dental implants have a documented success rate of over 95%, which is significantly higher than any other tooth-replacement option. Implants never get a cavity or need a root canal, feel just like a natural tooth and can last an entire person’s lifetime. Additionally, unlike other options, implants maintain surrounding bone health, prevent adjacent and opposing teeth from moving into unfavorable positions and don’t require the removal of healthy tooth structure from adjacent natural teeth.
Implant Placement (How it Works Part 1)
At the placement appointment, your surgeon will place the implant or implants into the dental bone. This procedure is actually quite minor, often requiring only local anesthetic and can be completed in under an hour (more time may be necessary if more than one implant is being placed).
After the placement stage, the dental implant(s) will usually require 3-6 months to safely heal and stabilize with the surrounding bone. Once completed, the implant(s) will be ready for its permanent restoration (a tooth crown, bridge or other prosthetic devices). While healing, a temporary tooth or teeth can be made to fill up the space of the missing tooth or teeth.
It is important that your surgeon works closely with your dentist so that the implant is placed in the best possible position to support a beautiful and healthy restoration. At Park Dentistry, we work closely with our surgeons to design and plan the best implants for our patients. Call to schedule an appointment to talk to one of our expert dentists today!
Implant Restoration (How it Works Part 2)
Implant Crowns, Implant Bridges, Implant Dentures and alike.
Once the implant or implants are fully healed and ready to support the workload of biting and chewing, we can begin to make the permanent restoration. Multiple options are available depending on your needs.
Single tooth- When a single tooth is missing or failing, it can be replaced with a single implant that eventually supports a single dental crown.
Multiple Teeth- Sometimes every missing or failing tooth does not need its own dental implant. When the conditions allow it, two or more implants can support multiple crowns that connect and span over a large area, bridging the area between the implants. This option is unsurprisingly called “a fixed bridge”.
Entire Arch- Taking the idea of a “fixed bridge” even further, dental implants can support a full row of upper and lower teeth. Depending on conditions, this option can be supported by as few as four implants per row.
Support Removable Dentures- Dental implants can also be used to aid in the stability, comfort and function of traditional multiple-teeth-replacing options like dentures and partials.
A thorough discussion of the various restorative options in conjunction with the patient’s desires and expectations is critical in achieving a beautiful and satisfying result. At Park Dentistry, out team of dental providers are available to answer all of your questions and achieve dental implant restorations that leave you feeling happy and healthy. Call today to schedule your appointment!
Implant Maintenance (How it works Part 3)
In order to ensure your implants and their restorations last as long as possible, proper care and maintenance are of the utmost importance.
The care of dental implants is similar to the care of regular teeth. Daily hygiene practices such as flossing and brushing are necessary to ensure no issues occur with your implant(s). Your implant(s) also need to be regularly checked and examined by your dentist and hygienist. This usually involves X-rays and other examinations to confirm your implant(s) are healthy and functioning well. Frequently, implants need to be cleaned with special instruments to make certain that no complications arise.
Call to schedule this often overlooked but important step in your implant care today!
What else should I know?
Dental implants have a documented success rate of over 95%, which is significantly higher than any other tooth-replacement option. Implants never get a cavity or need a root canal, feel just like a natural tooth and can last an entire person’s lifetime. Additionally, unlike other options, implants maintain surrounding bone health, prevent adjacent and opposing teeth from moving into unfavorable positions and don’t require the removal of healthy tooth structure from adjacent natural teeth.
Loving a new smile is easier than you think!