Dental implants are one of the most frequently recommended solutions for missing permanent teeth. The best dental implants serve as tooth replacements that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth! You can receive affordable dental implants that dramatically improve the way you bite, chew, and smile.
What makes these dental implants so successful? It’s a combination of dental technology and the natural abilities of your jaw and gums.
Receiving a Dental Implant
The dental implant procedure is straightforward.
Consultation and Planning the Implant Placement
Your first step will be to come see Dr. Schaack for a consultation so we can figure out what type of implant-supported restoration will be best for you and your smile.
Once that is determined, we plan the exact placement of your implant post using our CBCT technology. This allows us to visualize your jaws 3-dimensionally and do your entire implant procedure virtually before we even start touching your mouth.
Once we have the perfect plan, we then create a guide based on that digital plan that ensures the procedure will be done the same way it was planned digitally. This greatly reduces complications and helps give you the best outcome with your dental implant surgery.
Placing the Implant
The dental implant is actually a small titanium post, rather than the artificial tooth itself. This post is placed directly in the jawbone to serve as the new tooth root. Having the tooth root replaced, rather than just the visible dental crown, strengthens your jawbone and contributes to better overall oral health.
If your jaw has been worn down, it’s possible that your dentist will recommend a bone graft for dental implants in that area so that the jaw can securely support the implant.
Healing and Bonding Time, or Osseointegration
After an implant has been placed, the next step is to let your jaw heal around this post. As time passes, your jaw will not only heal but will grow around the implant through a process called osseointegration. The implant will become firmly cemented in place as a stable part of your jaw. This healing process usually takes about 3 months.
With this support from your jaw bone, you can expect your dental implant to be as solid and dependable as your natural, neighboring teeth.
Restore the Visible Tooth
Once the implant has had time to heal and has a solid base in your jaw, we will then restore the chewing surface with your dental restoration. Dental implants can support a single tooth crown replacement, a bridge that restores multiple teeth in a gap, or a set of dentures to replace a whole arch of teeth.
Whatever restoration we recommend for you, the dental crowns, bridges, or dentures are designed to match the color and even texture of your natural teeth, so no one needs to know you’ve had dental work done at all!
Once they’re been placed, these dental crowns will be just as strong and dependable as your other teeth! You can even brush and floss your new teeth just like the rest of your natural teeth.
What Effect Do Dental Implants Have?
The most obvious effect of dental implants is their ability to restore a smile. They can replace missing permanent teeth almost seamlessly, so you don’t have to feel embarrassed by a gappy or damaged smile.
Restoring your teeth is also a great way to improve your bite. If missing permanent teeth aren’t replaced, the teeth next to that gap tend to drift. This can restructure your bite for the worse! By receiving dental implants, you’ll make sure that your natural bite stays strong and healthy.
Dental implants will also help your bone health. When a permanent tooth is missing for a long period of time, the jawbone underneath the empty space will gradually begin wearing away. This can cause long-term bone loss, but fortunately this is easily stopped with a dental implant to support your jaw!
Dental Implant FAQs
Are Dental Implants Painful?
No! Just like any other dental procedure, your dentist will use anesthesia to make sure you have the most comfortable possible experience as your implants are placed. One your implants have healed, they won’t feel any different from the rest of your teeth!
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Yes. Dental implants are a very common dental procedure, with a high success rate. Your dentist will always examine your jaw and gums before placing an implant to make sure an implant will work for you.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
When you brush, floss, and generally take good care of your implants, you can expect them to last for years! The implant posts themselves can last a lifetime, although your dentist might recommend repairing or replacing the dental crowns on top of them every 10–15 years.
Who Does Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a common procedure. Most dentist’s offices can install the dental crowns on top of dental implants—but our office is one of the few that can also place the implant in your jawbone without the need of an outside oral surgeon. Dental implants are just one of the many services we provide right here at our office, and we are excited to offer you all the benefits that come with them!
Dental Implants Can Repair Your Smile and Improve Your Health
If you’re interested in the benefits of dental implants, contact us today! With dental implants, you can enjoy improved dental health and a smile you’ll be proud of.
