Missing teeth can affect your confidence, eating habits, and overall quality of life. Dental implants offer a permanent solution that looks and feels like your natural teeth, giving you back your smile and bite strength.
If you’re considering dental implants, you’re making a smart choice for your oral health. Schedule an appointment with Dental Excellence of Green today to learn how implants can transform your smile and restore your confidence.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed into your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Once the implant fuses with your bone, a custom crown is attached to create a complete artificial tooth. This process creates a strong, permanent foundation that can last a lifetime with proper care. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants don’t rely on surrounding teeth for support and won’t slip or move when you eat or speak.
When do you need Dental Implants?
- Single or multiple missing teeth
- Complete tooth loss
- Failed dental work
- Loose dentures
5 Types of Dental Implants
Different types of dental implants exist because every patient has unique needs based on their bone structure, number of missing teeth, and overall oral health. Your dentist will choose the best type based on your jawbone density, gum health, and treatment goals. The main difference between implant types is how they’re placed and what they’re designed to support.
- Endosteal implants – These are the most common type, placed directly into the jawbone. They work best when you have adequate bone height and density.
- All-on-4 implants – This system uses four strategically placed implants to support a full arch of teeth. It’s perfect when you need to replace all your upper or lower teeth.
- Mini implants – These smaller implants are used in tight spaces or when bone density is limited. They’re often used to stabilize lower dentures.
- Immediate load implants – Also called same-day implants, these allow you to get a temporary crown right after implant placement. Not everyone is a candidate for this option.
What Happens During the Implant Procedure
- Initial consultation and planning – Your dentist will examine your mouth, take X-rays or 3D scans, and discuss your medical history. This step helps determine if you’re a good candidate and creates a personalized treatment plan.
- Tooth extraction (if needed) – If you still have a damaged tooth that needs removal, your dentist will extract it carefully. Sometimes this can be done at the same time as implant placement.
- Bone grafting (if necessary) – If your jawbone isn’t thick enough or is too soft, you may need bone grafting first. This process adds bone material to strengthen the area where the implant will go.
- Implant placement surgery – Your dentist will make a small incision in your gum and drill a precise hole into your jawbone. The titanium implant is then carefully screwed into place and the gum is stitched closed over it.
- Healing and osseointegration – Over the next 3-6 months, your jawbone grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong, permanent bond between the implant and your bone.
- Abutment placement – Once healing is complete, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant. This piece will hold your new crown in place.
- Crown creation and placement – Your dentist will take impressions to create a custom crown that matches your natural teeth perfectly. Once ready, the crown is securely attached to the abutment, completing your new tooth.
5 Major Benefits of Getting Implants
Natural Look and Feel
Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function exactly like your natural teeth. The custom crown is carefully crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth, making it virtually impossible to tell the difference. Unlike dentures that can look bulky or artificial, implants maintain the natural contours of your face and gums.
Improved Eating and Speaking Ability
With dental implants, you can eat all your favorite foods without worry or discomfort. The strong titanium root provides the same bite force as a natural tooth, allowing you to chew tough foods like steak, corn on the cob, and crunchy apples. Your speech will also be clearer and more natural since implants don’t slip or move like dentures can.
Long-Term Oral Health Protection
When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in that area begins to shrink because it’s no longer being stimulated by chewing forces. Dental implants provide that necessary stimulation, keeping your jawbone healthy and strong. Additionally, implants don’t require altering healthy adjacent teeth like bridges do, helping you maintain more of your natural tooth structure.
Convenience and Easy Maintenance
Taking care of dental implants is as simple as caring for your natural teeth. Just brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly. There’s no need for special cleaning solutions, adhesives, or soaking like with dentures. You won’t have to remove your implants at night or worry about them falling out at inconvenient times.
Durability and Cost-Effectiveness
While dental implants require a larger upfront investment, they’re designed to last a lifetime with proper care, making them more cost-effective than other tooth replacement options over time. Traditional bridges typically need replacement every 10-15 years, and dentures may need adjustments or replacements every 5-10 years. With implants, you make one investment that can serve you for decades, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in replacement costs and ongoing maintenance.
Conclusion
Dental implants offer the most natural and permanent solution for replacing missing teeth, giving you back your confidence and quality of life. With proper care, they can last a lifetime while preserving your oral health and jawbone structure.
Ready to restore your smile with dental implants? Contact Dental Excellence of Green at 330-896-5770 to schedule your consultation today. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more helpful dental tips and to see how we’re helping patients achieve their best smiles.
