Dental implants are fabricated to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Implants offer the ability to have replacement teeth that are fixed in your mouth. One can have multiple implants or just one implant depending on the number of missing teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will remain intact.
The actual implant is a small titanium post that is placed into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. This process is called osseo- integration where the implant is beneath the surface of the gums undergoing this bond with the bone. In essence, the implant serves as the root of your tooth. After this initial placement of the implant, there is a healing process that takes place between 3-6 months.
Phase 2 begins after this healing process takes place. The implant is then uncovered and a small healing collar is placed. Dr. Bhoot will then begin restoring the implant with a crown. The actual placement of the implant is normally done by an oral surgeon or periodontist. Dr. Bhoot takes an impression of the implant by which posts or attachments can be connected and then finally a crown is fabricated. A crown sits over the attachment (abutment) which interconnects with the implant.
The entire implant procedure typically takes between 6-8 months for completion. During this process most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life. Implants are commonly done on a day to day basis and the success rate is excellent (95%). Our team works very closely to help you with any questions you may have. The dental/radiographic exam as well a thorough exam of your health history allows us to determine whether one is a candidate for dental implants.
Despite all of the advancements in the world of dentistry, there are still people who experience tooth loss. For those people, dental implants are an excellent option for them to restore their smile and have full function of their mouth. While bridges and dentures are other avenues for patients, some prefer the permanence and stability that an implant can offer. At Dental Expressions, Dr. Bhoot uses her years of expertise to help her patients get the implants they need to complete their smiles.
Why choose a dental implant?
There are many reasons to choose an implant over forms of tooth replacement. Let’s look at a few of those.
- Improvement in your appearance– implants look and feel exactly like your original teeth. When you smile, no one will know the difference.
- Increased self-esteem– since implants look so much like your original teeth, you can be confident when you smile. If you were missing a tooth prior to your implant, then this procedure can restore the self-esteem you lost as you concealed your missing tooth.
- Improvement in speech– while devices like bridges and dentures are great at concealing tooth loss, they are not perfect. They can still slip while you are speaking, leading your speech to sound slurred. Implants are permanent devices that don’t move, so you never have to worry about that issue.
- Ease of chewing and eating– just like with speaking, removable dentures can also slip while you are eating or drinking. Implants are fixed into your jawbone, so you never have to deal with that.
- Comfort & durability– no matter how well made dentures or a bridge are, you will always feel and notice that it is in your mouth. That isn’t the case with implants. Since they are screwed into your bone, your mouth adapts to and accepts the implant. Implants can also last 20 years or longer. It is possible they may never need replacing. While bridges and dentures are durable also, they don’t have that kind of longevity.
Are dental implants successful?
Yes! Implants improve your bite, your speech, your self-esteem, and so many other things. When well-maintained, implants can last practically a lifetime. How well your body takes to the implant depends on where it is placed in the jaw, but implants are reported to have a success rate of close to 98%.
Who can get dental implants?
Most anyone can undergo surgery to get a dental implant. Before surgery, your dentist should make sure your gums are healthy enough for the surgery and that your jaw has enough bone to insert the implant into. Heavy smokers and those suffering from chronic conditions like diabetes may not be good candidates for this procedure.
How do you care for dental implants?
You take care of them just like you would your teeth. Make sure you brush and floss around the implant and continue to receive regular checkups with your dentist.
Is it painful to get a dental implant?
Most patients report mild discomfort, but no more so than any other dental procedure. The pain is easily controlled with OTC pain medicines.
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