Dental Implants at Foothills Dentistry
Hi, I'm Dr. Sawyer at Foothills Dentistry. We get a lot of questions about dental implants, and I'm here to answer some of those questions.
At Foothills Dentistry, we offer high-quality dental implants to help you regain your smile and confidence. Our experienced team uses the latest technology and techniques to ensure that your implant procedure is a success. Whether you need a single tooth implant or multiple implants to restore your smile, we'll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our expert implant services.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants can be titanium or zirconia, but generally they're titanium. They're very compatible with our bodies and look like screws. They're designed to replace teeth when you're missing teeth. They're really the second best thing to what we were born with.
Today's dental implant techniques in Dillard, GA offer a wide range of tooth replacement solutions including:
- Single tooth replacement
- Multiple tooth replacement
- Implant-supported dentures
Single tooth implants are very common. Implants match the size, shape and function of your natural teeth. Implants replace the root of the tooth in the bone. It is the best possible replacement for a missing tooth.
When are dental implants recommended?
Conditions that we recommend dental implants for include when you're going to lose a tooth or have already lost teeth. Bridges are not ideal because they affect the adjacent teeth, and patients generally aren't very happy with partial dentures. We usually recommend dental implants because they're the second best thing to what you were born with.
One important benefit of dental implants is that they slow the shrinking of bone (resorption) and gum tissue from the area of the missing tooth or teeth, thus preventing the sunken-face look of premature aging and maintaining the health of the surrounding teeth. Teeth will tip or move forward into areas where teeth are missing which can alter and disrupt proper biting.
Advantages of dental implants?
The advantages of dental implants over other prostheses like bridges or partial dentures are that they're permanent. They stay in place, you can floss between them, they're easier to maintain, and they look very aesthetic.
Process of getting a dental implant?
The process for getting a dental implant, after we've diagnosed and decided that you are a candidate, starts with obtaining records. We conduct an intraoral scan, which is like a video of all your teeth. We also do a cone beam CT scan that gives us a 3D image of your bone. Based on that, we plan your case. At the next appointment, which usually takes less than 30 minutes for single and double implants, you'll come in, and we use a surgical guide to drill the hole for the implant and place it. When we place the implant, I will get you numb so you're comfortable. You'll rinse with an antibacterial solution to keep everything clean. Then we'll make a small incision and use a guide, which makes the process more predictable and quicker. I will prepare the bone to place the implant through several steps, and when ready, we screw in the implant. You really won't feel anything. It's usually less than 30 minutes, and you have your implant placed.
After an implant is placed in your mouth, it typically takes 3 months for the bone to heal around it. This is called osseointegration. Once healing is complete, your tooth or crown can be added above the gums to complete your implant.
When is bone grafting required?
Bone grafting is required for dental implants when you do not have an adequate amount of bone already existing. Sometimes this is because it's been years since you lost your tooth and your bone has diminished. Other times it's because you lose too much bone during an extraction. In these situations, we need to perform bone augmentation, where we add bone to your existing bone so that we can place the implant.
If you are having a tooth removed and want an implant to replace it, Dr. Sawyer may recommend that he place a bone graft in your tooth socket. A bone graft is a mixture of organic materials that eventually turn into bone. This process takes 3 to 4 months, and allows for enough bone to place an adequate size implant.
Recovery time after dental implant placement?
Generally, it takes just a day or two after the placement of a dental implant before you don't even notice it's there anymore. It's usually just mild soreness, and your gums have to heal. It's a lot less traumatic than tooth extractions, so the placement of implants is usually very benign.
Longevity of dental implants?
Dental implants last far longer than any other possible prosthetic replacements for teeth. Most studies have shown that anywhere between 80 and 95% of dental implants are still in service 15 years later. Whereas, for a bridge, 50 to 75% of those are gone or failed at 10 years.
Do dental implants get cavities?
Dental implants cannot get cavities, so that is definitely a problem you'll never have. However, dental implants can be susceptible to gum disease, so you still need to come in every 6 months for your cleanings so we can monitor them. They can also be susceptible to biting forces that are too hard or too strong, and sometimes I may recommend someone get a bite guard to protect the implant.
Multiple Teeth Replacement Options
When multiple teeth in the same area are missing, an implant-supported bridge can be a great option for replacement. This allows for a fixed bridge that is held in place by two or more implants that are placed where the roots used to be.
Implants can also be used to support partials and dentures. Implants are placed beneath the denture and attached with components designed to improve the fit and function of the denture.
Financing options at Foothills Dentistry?
At Foothills Dentistry, we have a couple of financing options. We offer Cherry and Care Credit, so if you need to make payments, there are payment plan options available.
If you’re ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we’d love to hear from you. Call us at (706) 702-2771 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.