Regain Your Confidence with Dental Implants

Missing teeth are hard to deal with. Not only on a functional level but on a cosmetic one! Missing teeth can impact the way you talk, smile, and chew and eventually impact your entire life. In fact, many of the patients we’ve seen became isolated or even depressed as a result of their missing teeth. While there are options like dentures and bridges to replace missing teeth, they are not always as valuable as dental implants. In fact, a dental implant is the only tooth restoration that mimics the function of your real teeth!

How Dental Implants Can Help Your Smile

• Keep bone levels stable to prevent premature aging of your face
• They hold your overdentures in place
• You can smile tooth and use your teeth as you would normally
• It helps prevent a misaligned bite and overcrowding

Understanding Dental Implants

Dental Implants are tiny posts or screws made of biocompatible titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone and gums to replace a missing tooth. Dental implants replace tooth roots, which are an integral part of a healthy smile and functioning jawbone. They do not replace the crown or visible portion of the tooth, as traditional restorations such as bridges or dentures do.

The Benefits of This Restoration

• It’s a permanent solution
• Looks and feels like your natural teeth
• Improved comfort compared to other restorations
• Let’s you enjoy any food you like without pain or difficulty
• Does not impact the tooth structure of adjoining teeth

Do Dental Implants Function Like Real Teeth?

Many people wonder how something artificial could have the same function as its natural root. Today’s technology has made it possible to use titanium screws as the root. The titanium material naturally fuses with your jawbone. What this means is that your jawbone is getting the constant stimulation it needs to continue to grow. Without that stimulation, the bone would eventually die and disintegrate into your body. You are then left with less jawbone to hold your facial structure in place. This means that your face could begin to sag, similar to that of an elderly person. The problem is that bone loss does not care about age – no matter how old you are, if you are missing a tooth and the bone is not stimulated, your face will begin to sag.

Is This Restoration Right For You?

There are some patients that are not good candidates for dental implants. However, if they aren’t right for you, it does not mean that they never will be. Some patients can become good candidates for this restoration after having other procedures to solve the complications preventing them from getting dental implants. In general, you need to have adequate gum and bone tissue for dental implants. Luckily, if you do not, we may be able to assist with grafting procedures.

Are you a senior patient wondering if dental implants are right for you?

Learn more about dental implants for seniors.

What To Expect During Your Procedure

Dental implant surgery is a complex procedure that requires multiple appointments and months of healing. However, in the end, the process is well worth it as it gives you a beautiful tooth with full function once again!

During your first appointment, we will assess your mouth to ensure you are a good candidate for the implants. If we determine that your bones and gums are in good enough condition to support the implant, we will set up your first surgical appointment. At this appointment, we will gain access to your jawbone by opening up your gums. The implant is then surgically placed into your bone, and the area is closed with stitches. These stitches will remain in your mouth for 7-10 days as you heal. After that, you will visit us again to have your stitches removed. After, you will need to let your mouth heal for a period of several months.

When we determine that your mouth is completely healed, we will be able to move forward with your post-placement. This post is what holds your dental crown or overdenture and what will eventually be placed on the implant.

Once the post is placed, it is time to place the crown. Before we can do this, however, we will need to take impressions of the area. These impressions are then sent to our lab, where a custom crown is made. If you are opting for overdentures, we will have the dentures made to fit your mouth as well as match the color and shape of the rest of your mouth. Once your crown or denture is created, we will place it over the post to complete your new smile!

Caring For Your New Smile

Caring for dental implants is just like caring for your natural teeth. You must properly brush and floss them at least twice a day (flossing can be done once). It’s incredibly important to never skip these steps because if dental decay were to set in below your gum line, your dental implants could prematurely fail. You would also be putting yourself at risk for gum disease, which could cause bone loss and even more difficulties with your dental implants down the road.

We Want to Renew Your Smile

Dr. Patel and Dr. Setti are both passionate about helping their patient’s smiles reach their full potential. With their guidance, and help from their friendly team, you can rest at ease knowing that your smile is in the best hands. If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants in Lancaster or would like to explore our other restoration options, please get in touch.