Dental Implants – Missing Teeth

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a surgical treatment that replaces one or more missing teeth. Though dental implants have a lengthy healing process and involve intensive work from an oral surgeon, they still offer some of the most secure, permanent, and stable solutions to improve your smile and your overall oral health. Many patients even report forgetting that their dental implants are not their natural teeth — they are that easy and natural to incorporate in your smile.

In What Cases are Dental Implants Used?

Dental implants are considered effective treatments to replace missing teeth. Replacing lost teeth is an essential facet of your dental care, especially as gaps in your smile can negatively impact your quality of life.

Dental implants may be used as treatment plans in the following cases: 

• Periodontal disease: Gum disease can cause tooth loss if neglected. Once we get your periodontitis in check through periodontal therapy, we may suggest using dental implants to replace your missing teeth.
• Partial dentures: If you need partial dentures to replace multiple teeth, dental implant-supported dentures are among the most secure options around. The implants will serve as anchors to the dentures, meaning they will stay secure when you’re eating, speaking, and living your everyday life.
• Dental bridge: Dental implant-supported bridges offer secure anchors to bridging the gaps in your smile.
• Accidents: Losing a tooth because of an accident, fall, or sports injury can be traumatic. However, dental implants are secure and look and function just like your old tooth would.

What is the Process of Getting a Dental Implant Like?

Dental implant treatment is completed by an oral surgeon. Depending on your needs and treatment plan, we will use local or general anesthesia, or sedation, to keep you comfortable and pain-free throughout the experience.

During the initial surgery, we will place an anchor into your jawbone. We will give it time to heal, during which it will fuse naturally to the bone, just as a tooth root would do. It may be several months before the next step of the process. Once the anchor is ready, though, we will add the tooth replacement in the form of a crown. You will care for it just like your natural teeth, including brushing and flossing regularly.

Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

If you are in good overall health, you will likely be a good candidate for dental implants. First, we will check your medical history and discuss your needs and goals before deciding on a treatment plan. Then, we will give you an initial exam, which will include an X-ray so we can gauge your bone structure and whether it will support the metal post of the implant. After we make sure you have healthy gums and positive overall health, we will decide together with you whether dental implants are a viable treatment.

Wondering whether you would make a good candidate for dental implants? We’d love to talk to you about it! Call the Centerburg Dental Care team at (740) 917-4159 to schedule an appointment.