Dental Implants are great way to get your teeth back. If you have lost one tooth or multiple teeth implants can give you something that looks and functions like your previous teeth.
Dental Implants Provide a GREAT Permanent Solution
Dr. Sekulic can place these titanium posts into the jawbone. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for the replacement teeth. Small posts that emerge from the implants and protrude through the gums provide stable anchors for the replacement teeth. Very importantly, dental implants help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
However, dental implants are not for everyone. You must be in good general health, have healthy gums and enough bone in your jaw to support the implants. Consistent maintenance afterward is essential to ensure your implants stay healthy. Another factor to consider is that implants cost more than other kinds of replacement teeth.
Bone support is important and when you loose a tooth the jaw bone shrinks and thins. Over many years this may put you in a situation where an implant would not be possible without considerable expense and time. Getting an implant closer to the time of tooth loss will save time and money.
Here is an typical time frame for a typical dental implant procedure:
- You meet with your dentist to discuss whether or not you would be a good candidate for treatment.
- X rays are taken by the dental assistant to evaluate the bone in your jaw. Traditional x rays can give us an idea of the length of implant that could be used but it doesn’t give us the width of bone that is left. A better more predictable way is to have a 3D x ray (CT, computed tomography) of your jaw. This significantly reduces risks of trouble for the dentist placing your implant.
- The financial manager finalizes arrangements with the patient and molds of your upper and lower jaw ( if needed)
- Your dentist will put a small post (root form) into your jawbone. Implants vary in size so the dentist will determine before hand with the 3D x ray and treatment plan which one to use. Having IV Sedation for your treatment can make things more comfortable.
- Over 6-24 weeks the implant will need to bond with the bone around it.
- Once fused with bone the dentist will place a small cap over the implant to prepare the tissue for the final restoration. This takes about two weeks to heal.
- An impression will be taken by the dentist with an attachment to the implant for the lab to custom make your tooth/teeth. For dentures there may be several more steps that need to be done before completion.
If the bone is to thin sometimes a smaller implant called a mini implant can be used. These are being placed for denture retention or replacement of single teeth.
Even though implants take more time and can cost more they are an excellent way to replace teeth. The patients that will receive the greatest benefit are denture wearers, especially lower dentures. If you hate the way your lower denture fits a couple of implants will absolutely change your life.
To learn more about dental implants and to see if they’re right for you, schedule online or call today at (513) 896-1573.