At Bay Lakes Center for Complex Dentistry, we recognize that you may need to get replacement teeth at some point in your life. Our dentists are experienced at addressing any tooth gaps that may exist in your mouth. To do so, we often turn to dental implants that can help us to safely mount bridges, dentures, or entirely new teeth wherever they are needed.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
What we call a dental implant is a titanium post similar to a tooth root. We surgically place this post directly into your jawbone and underneath the gum line. Doing so ensures that is affixed to a solid surface and that whatever we place upon it does not move or come loose. Unlike bridges, which can be problematic to your dental health because they anchor themselves to other teeth, dental implants give you the tooth support you need with no unexpected side effects. None of your nearby teeth will have to be ground down or prepared to hold your new tooth in place. We also offer Implant Anchored Dentures that are supported by dental implants not your teeth.
Can I Use Dental Implants?
There are some considerations that you should think about before you elect to use dental implants for your replacement tooth needs. For dental implants to work, you must make sure that you have a strong enough bone in your jaw and healthy gums that together will support the implant. Bone that is too soft or thin may require a preliminary bone graft before we move on to the dental implant procedure. If you lack the proper bone height in the upper jaw or if your sinuses are too near to your jaw, we may recommend a sinus lift beforehand. If your jaw is positioned well, your bones are strong, and your gums are healthy, then dental implants are an excellent choice when it comes to replacement teeth and your oral health.
Dental Implant Surgery
The procedure for inserting a dental implant into your mouth is fairly fast and painless. So long as your bone and gum tissue are in good shape, it may take a mere half hour to get through the process. Our dentists will remove a small core of bone from the area in question and insert the implant in the opening created. Most of the time, this opening is quite small and will not need stitches. After the surgery has ended, the pain is minimal, and so acetaminophen or ibuprofen is usually sufficient to address any soreness.
How To Take Care Of A Dental Implant
Dental implants can last for quite a long time so long as you continue to check in with us through routine dental visits and maintain a good oral hygiene. For the maximum success with your dental implant, we recommend that you stick to a good brushing and flossing routine. We recommend trying interdental brushes, which can help you slide between your teeth and clean hard to reach areas adjacent to your implant. We also encourage you to drop bad habits like smoking, which can weaken your bone structure, and chewing on hard foods, which can risk breaking your replacement teeth.
Dental implants are the most advanced choice for tooth restoration because they mimic our natural teeth, even the root. They are the most durable and secure solution for tooth replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
We answer many different questions about dental implants for our patients everyday. If you have more questions, or you would like to schedule an evaluation, please call the Bay Lakes Center for Complex Dentistry team at (906) 212-4725 to schedule your appointment today.
Are Dental Implants Permanent?
Dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution for tooth loss. They offer durability and stability that can't be matched by other options. With proper oral hygiene and regular check ups, dental implants can last a lifetime. However, the crown, denture, or bridge attached to the implant must be replaced due to wear over time, but the implant itself remains for a lifetime.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Suitable candidates possess good overall health, have healthy gum tissue, and adequate bone density to support the implant. Non smokers, and those willing to quit smoking, are preferred. Smoking hinders the healing process and lessens the likelihood of success. In addition, candidates must commit to oral hygiene and regular dental visits to maintain their implants.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer many benefits, especially compared to traditional dentures or bridges. They provide a permanent and secure solution by mimicking the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. Implants provide improved chewing and speech clarity over other tooth replacement options, which improves quality of life. Dental implants are designed to fuse with the jawbone, which prevents bone loss and preserves facial structure. In addition, implants eliminate the increased maintenance, slippage, and discomfort of removable prosthetics. Implants are a durable, functional option that can last a lifetime with proper care.
Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants come in several types, and each one meets the unique needs of each patient. The most common type is an endosteal implant, which is surgically placed directly into the jawbone. A subperiosteal implant is placed under the gum, but above the jawbone. They are designed for patients with insufficient bone height in the jaw. Zygomatic implants are anchored in the cheekbone and used when there is severe bone loss in the upper jaw. Each type of implant offers unique benefits, and our team is happy to recommend the most appropriate option based on our patient's specific circumstances.
Comparing Dental Implants with Other Options
Compared to dentures and bridges, implants have superior durability and function. Dentures can slip and cause discomfort, and must be refitted and replaced. But dental implants are secured into the jawbone, and provide a more permanent solution. This stability provides better chewing and speaking, and eliminates the need for adhesives.
Traditional bridges attach to the adjacent teeth for support, and can damage those natural teeth over time. But implants do not require other teeth to be altered, and help preserve the jaw by preventing bone loss. The initial cost of dental implants is higher than other options, but their longevity and less frequent maintenance make them the more cost effective choice over time.
If you think that dental implants might be right for you and would like to learn more, call us today at (906) 212-4725.
What Are Dental Implants? | Prosthodontist Escanaba, MI | Bay Lakes Center for Complex Dentistry At Bay Lakes Center for Complex Dentistry, we can safely place dental implants in your mouth to address any tooth gaps that may exist. Click here to learn more. Bay Lakes Center for Complex Dentistry - Escanaba, 524 Ludington St, Suite 301 Escanaba, MI 49829 • (906) 212-4725 • escanaba.baylakescomplexdentistry.com • 1/23/2025 • Page Keywords: dental implants Escanaba MI •