Dental implants are synthetic dental roots that are surgically implanted into the jawbone to replace lost teeth.
Dental implant surgery involves replacing tooth roots with metal, screw-like posts to replace damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that function and resemble natural teeth. Implant dentistry can be a great alternative to ill-fitting dentures or bridgework.
It can also be an ideal option when there aren’t enough natural teeth roots to make dentures or bridgework tooth replacements. The titanium implants integrate with your jawbone, so they won’t slip, emit noise, or cause bone damage like fixed bridgework or dentures.
The materials are also impervious to decay, unlike your natural teeth. Studies indicate that dental implants have a success rate of up to 95%. And with proper care, they can last a lifetime.
Dental Implant Advantages
Dental Implant Advantages
- They look and feel like your own teeth.
- You can eat without worrying about food getting stuck between your teeth.
- Your jawbone is preserved and will continue to grow stronger as you age.
- There’s no need to change your diet or lifestyle.
- The implant lasts indefinitely.
Are You A Candidate?
Dental implants are an option for anyone who has lost one or more teeth. If you’re considering this option, it’s important to understand how implants work, so you know what to expect during the process.
Tooth-shaped implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone. The implants act like “roots” that hold artificial teeth in place. Once the implants heal, the artificial teeth are attached to the implants.
You’re an ideal candidate for implants if:
- You have maintained good oral health and general health.
- Your jawbone is strong enough to sustain the implant.
- Your gum tissues are healthy and free of periodontal disease.
Dental Implant Options
Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or the entire set of teeth. Teeth replacement in dentistry aims to restore both function and appearance.
Precision Oral Surgery provides four types of implants:
Single Tooth Implants
Single-tooth implants are best when one (or multiple) natural teeth have been compromised.
Bridge
Implant bridges are better than traditional dental bridges as they do not compromise the oral health of natural teeth.
Overdentures
Overdentures snap in and lock into the implants. They can easily be taken off and put back on by the patient.
Hybrid Implant Dentures
Hybrid dentures are fixed in place. To clean, your general dentist will remove it during your regular cleanings.
What Is Involved in Getting a Dental Implant?
Since implant dentistry necessitates one or more surgical procedures, you must undergo a detailed assessment to prepare for the treatment, which includes:
- A comprehensive dental exam that involves dental X-rays, 3D images, and models made of your teeth and jaw.
- A review of your medical history, including any prescription medications you take and over-the-counter medications and vitamins.
- A surgical plan customized to your needs, considering factors like how many teeth implant placements are required and the state of your jawbone and remaining teeth.
The length of your procedure will vary based on your individual treatment. In addition to the time spent during the procedure, you can also expect to be in our office an additional thirty minutes to one hour for consultation and in-office recovery time.
You will be scheduled for surgery once your dental surgeons have devised a surgical plan and determined that you are in good health. If your surgeon advises IV sedation for the procedure, arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.
Dental Implant Surgical Procedure
The soft tissues (gums) and underlying hard tissues (bone) in the mouth are inextricably linked to dental implants. Precision Oral Surgery offers the ideal combination of expertise and knowledge to ensure you obtain a dental implant solution that looks and feels like your own teeth.
Dental implant surgery is commonly conducted in an outpatient setting in stages, with healing time in between. The placement of a dental implant entails several steps, including:
- Damaged tooth removal
- Jawbone preparation (grafting), as required
- Dental implant placement
- Bone growth and healing
- Abutment placement
- Artificial tooth placement
From start to finish, the process can take many months. Most of that time is spent recovering and waiting for new bone to form in your jaw.
If you’re interested in dental implants, be sure to schedule a consultation to discuss your options. At the consultation, your oral surgeon will take a 3D scan of your mouth to create a treatment plan for your procedure.
If you have enough bone remaining in your jaw, the consultation, extraction of the existing tooth, and the implant can be done in one convenient visit.
The Aftercare Process
Dental implants, like natural teeth, require diligent at-home oral hygiene and regular follow-up appointments to maintain function and prevent peri-implant disease. Brushing, flossing, rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash, and frequent dental appointments are all required to maintain dental implants and dental hygiene, just as they are for real teeth.
Your periodontist will work closely with you and your dentist to design the optimal treatment plan for you after you’ve received your implant. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to ensure the health of your implant, teeth, and gums.
If you are interested in dental implants please contact us today. We have two convenient locations in Greeley and Thornton, Colorado.
