If you have dentures, multiple missing teeth, or are regularly seeing your dentist for procedures to repair extensive damage, it may be time to consider dental implants for a more permanent solution. Offering many benefits, dental implants are a comprehensive solution for your oral health that can quickly help you regain the comfort and benefits of natural teeth.
While getting back functional teeth and a dazzling smile may sound appealing, it’s natural to wonder about the dental implant process and what exactly you can expect if you decide to pursue this oral treatment. You can rest assured that the highly qualified and experienced team of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and support staff at Doctors Implants will guide you every step of the way, answering all of your questions and ensuring a smooth and straightforward process.
To get you started, here is an overview of the dental implant procedure as well as answers to some of the most common questions we receive from our valued patients:
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing or damaged teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.
The dental implant procedure involves placing small titanium cylinders (anchors), known as implants or posts into the jawbone to function like the roots of natural teeth. Next, abutments are added as connectors to support dental crowns (support teeth) that rest above the gums and are used for speaking, chewing, and smiling.
Dental implant surgery can be done in multiple phases over a period of several months, but at Doctors Implants we complete the entire process all in one day. When you leave our office after your 6-hour treatment, you’ll be fully equipped with a new, attractive, and fully functional set of teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants have many benefits—aesthetics, health-wise, and comfort-wise. Let’s take a closer look:
- Dental implants are a permanent solution.
- For most patients, dental implants will last a lifetime. No more worrying about future dental issues.
- Dental implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.
- In fact, most patients can’t differentiate between their implants and natural teeth. Regain full chewing power and even brush and floss normally twice each day.
- Dental implants connect and fuse directly into the tissue of your jaw.
- Implants function like the roots of natural teeth, forming an anchor and preventing bone loss by stimulating the jawbone.
- Dental implants help to maintain your facial structure.
- The absence of tooth roots leads to the deterioration of bone mass and ultimately facial sagging and premature aging. Dental implants can prevent such outcomes from occurring.
- Dental implants restore your smile.
- Highly realistic and beautifully created, each customized smile is truly a work of art.
Full Mouth Dental Implants Vs. Individual Implants
As the name suggests, an individual implant replaces just a single missing tooth. Full mouth dental implants, on the other hand, replace several missing teeth simultaneously. At Doctors Implants we focus on full-arch reconstruction, totally replacing patients’ top teeth, bottom teeth, or both with prosthetic teeth all in one procedure.
The main advantages of full mouth reconstruction are its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The surgeons at Doctors Implants can use less posts to effectively anchor a whole arch of prosthetic teeth than they could were they to replace each missing tooth individually.
Who Is Eligible for a Dental Implant Procedure?
If you have multiple missing teeth or ongoing oral health concerns (often associated with systemic health issues), you may be a candidate for dental implants.
Who is not eligible for dental implants?
- Children
- Pregnant patients
Not sure if you’re a good candidate for dental implants? Our professional and experienced team will be more than happy to meet with you to determine the answer.
How Do I Prepare for Dental Implants?
Before undergoing dental implant surgery, patients must schedule a free consultation with Doctors Implants to determine if the procedure will be the best fit for their specific needs and circumstances.
In some cases, deterioration of the jawbone necessitates preliminary bone graft surgery, but at Doctors Implants we’re generally able to handle even the most complex cases without requiring patients to undergo multiple surgical procedures.
How Do Dental Implants Differ From Natural Teeth?
Other than the fact that dental implants technically are artificial teeth, they look, feel, and function very much like natural teeth. One difference is that dental implants integrate directly into the jawbone, while natural tooth roots do not.
How Do I Take Care of My New Implants Post-Treatment?
Taking care of your new dental implants is very similar to caring for natural teeth. Patients who have undergone a dental implant procedure should:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle brush
- Use a waterpik
- Avoid abrasive products and sticky or hard foods, especially with healing teeth (finals are good for almost all foods)
- Refrain from smoking tobacco products and consuming alcohol
- Eat a healthy diet
- See their dentist regularly
Still have more questions about dental implants and the specifics of the accompanying dental surgery? Schedule a consultation at Doctors Implants and our dedicated team will walk you through each and every step of the implant journey.
For more information, contact us directly today!
