Have you lost one or more permanent teeth? If so, you are in good company! Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that 69 percent of Americans over 35 have lost at least one permanent tooth. The standard traditional approach to tooth loss is dental bridgework or dentures, but today there is a better option for restoring missing teeth: dental implants.
Dental Implants and Their Benefits
Dental implants are composed of biocompatible titanium bases that are surgically embedded in the jaw. Once the implant heals and becomes permanently fused with the jawbone, a crown or other restoration is attached to the top, replacing the missing tooth above the gum line.
Unlike other prosthetics, dental implants replace the whole tooth, root to crown. They can be used to replace a single tooth, support fixed bridges, stabilize dentures, and secure other dental restorations.
Some of the benefits of dental implants include:
- A more natural-feeling and looking tooth replacement
- Better oral health
- More stable dentures and bridges
- Permanent replacements for missing teeth
How Dental Implants Work
- When you’re ready to receive dental implants, you’ll visit our office for a consultation with one of our dentists. They’ll take digital images to determine where to place your implants and how many you’ll need.
- Your dental implants will be placed in two separate procedures. First, the dentist will secure an implant fixture directly to your jaw. This stimulates bone growth and acts as an anchor for your new tooth. Once your gums heal around the implant, we’ll attach your porcelain crown or other restoration to complete your dental implant.
Once they’re placed, these restorations will restore functionality and allow you to eat and talk as you please.
Candidacy for Dental Implants
If you want a beautiful, gap-free smile with a tooth replacement solution that looks and feels natural, you should consider dental implants.
While dental implants are a great option for most people, there are some considerations you may have to make before getting them. Some people need supplemental procedures such as gum grafting or bone grafting before the dental implant procedure for a higher likelihood of success.
This process will help you regain that full, flawless smile that allows you to live, laugh, and eat to your heart’s content with all of your confidence restored.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants
As long as they are cared for, dental implants are made to last a lifetime! They’re created from durable, high-quality materials that integrate naturally with your jawbone for maximum reliability.
This will depend on your insurance and coverage, and the only way to know for sure is to consult with our office. The procedure’s cost will vary depending on how many implants you are planning to have put in, the kind of implants, as well as other supplementary procedures that may be needed.
Keeping the implants clean is extremely important right after the procedure. In addition to brushing them twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste, you’ll also rinse out your mouth with salt water for the first two weeks. Also, until your surgical site has healed, it’s important to avoid using a straw, be gentle when spitting, and stick to soft foods that won’t irritate your mouth.
Dental implants are a completely safe procedure approved by the ADA. Dr. Conder is an experienced implant dentist who will ensure the process goes smoothly.
The dental implant procedure has a 98% success rate, so problems are rare. If you do experience problems, however, do not hesitate to call us at (715) 472-2211 or contact us so that we can assess and fix the problem as soon as possible.