Dental Implants: An Overview

With a 95 percent success rate, dental implants are one of the most natural-looking, successful tooth replacement options available! They can replace one or more missing teeth, restoring the appearance, health, and function of a patient’s smile. There are three types of dental implants: single tooth dental implant, implant-secured dental bridge, and implant-secured denture. In today’s blog post, we want to take a closer look at the benefits of dental implants as well as the treatment procedure, which can be completed by Dr. Clay Miller or Dr. William Solberg at Maitland Ave Smile Co.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are designed to mimic the tooth root and offer a number of benefits. First, it’s important to note that they are comfortable and secure. Additionally, a patient with a denture or dental bridge may want to consider dental implants for a sturdier foundation. Typically, a denture or dental bridge relies on nearby teeth for support, which may compromise the health of those teeth in the future. Dental implants, though, can provide added stability. Additionally, there are no dietary restrictions once in place.

As an added bonus, dental implants strengthen long-term dental health. To start, they stabilize or even improve the bite, function, and mobility of the jaw. They also prevent further damage. If missing teeth aren’t properly replaced, patients have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease, tooth decay, jaw bone deterioration and soft tissue loss, and facial sagging as well as additional tooth damage and/or loss. Plus, they improve a patient’s overall oral health and self-confidence. 

The Dental Implant Treatment Procedure

The dental implant treatment procedure differs from patient to patient. To begin the process at Maitland Ave Smile Co., one of our restorative dentists — Dr. Miller or Dr. Solberg — completes a thorough dental exam and determines if you are an ideal candidate. While the final timeline is dependent on the patient’s oral health, bone structure, and overall treatment plan, the process can generally be broken down into two phases.

• Placing the dental implant: During the surgical procedure, your dentist carefully places the dental implant into the jaw bone. During the next three to six months, osseointegration will take place, allowing the dental implant to fuse to the jawbone. In some circumstances, patients may be able to receive their dental implant and final restoration in one visit.
• Placing the dental implant restoration: Once the dental implant completes the osseointegration process, Dr. Miller or Dr. Solberg attaches the abutment to each implant. Then, he permanently secures the final restoration. Depending on whether the patient is missing one or several teeth, he may attach a dental crown, denture, or dental bridge.

Once the process is completed, patients should treat their dental implants just like regular teeth and continue a healthy dental care routine. 

 

Reach out to Maitland Ave Smile Co. today to learn more about dental implants, a comfortable, long-lasting, and natural-looking tooth replacement option.

Check out our Dental Blog to learn more about topics like restorative dentistry, wisdom teeth, and teeth whitening.