Have you lost a tooth or several teeth? If so, and your mouth is otherwise healthy, you may be the perfect candidate for a dental implant. There is no reason for you to suffer physically or emotionally from the repercussions of a missing tooth. And, thanks to modern dentistry and dental implants, you can regain your radiant smile with relative ease.
What Are Dental Implants?
A more permanent remedy than removable dentures, dental implants are surgically emplaced into the jaw by dentists and look and function just like a natural tooth. Constructed with titanium, dental implants have an artificial root that, once in place, provides an aesthetically pleasing and durable option that will look just like any other tooth in your mouth and last for years. The implant is the base itself, one that holds an artificially constructed and lifelike replacement tooth or teeth.
Occasionally a dental implant will need to be re-tightened or replaced, but they also provide years of carefree functionality and allow you to smile with confidence.
Dental implants do require a months-long process of measuring and procedural work to guarantee success – one type of implant even requires that dentists fuse the root of the implant to your jawbone. But implants have been shown to provide a lasting and positive option for countless patients. With that in mind, our dentists work closely with our patients to determine if:
· Implants are right for them?
· What types of implants work best for their situation?
Types of Dental Implants
Different types of implants can be utilized depending on your needs. This includes:
· Single implants – The option if you are missing a single tooth.
· Multiple implants – The choice for those who are missing multiple teeth.
· Full-mouth implant – Yes, even if you lose all your teeth, modern dentists can create an entire set of realistic and functional teeth that perfectly fit your mouth.
Dental implants also vary in how they are inserted. There are two common types known as endosteal (in the bone) and subperiosteal (on the bone). The main difference is how the implants fit in conjunction with your jawbone.
Your dentist will conduct detailed examinations and discuss with you which type of implant will work best for your health and lifestyle.
Endosteal (in the bone)
The most common type of dental implant, the endosteal is fused into your jawbone by the dentist.
The base of the implant is shaped like a small screw, cylinder, or blade and holds one or more replacement teeth.
Subperiosteal (on the bone)
Instead of fusing into your jawbone, the subperiosteal implant sits on or above your jawbone.
This type of implant consists of a metal post that’s inserted under your gum and sticks through your gum to hold it in place.
The subperiosteal implant offers a great solution for patients that cannot wear regular dentures, or don’t have enough natural jawbone to hold an endosteal implant.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
There are many reasons why patients opt for dental implants to replace a missing tooth or missing teeth. And because they have been used for years, oral healthcare professionals, understand how to insert these new teeth and what types work best for each patient.
Among the benefits that dental implants offer, include:
· No worries over bone loss
When you lose teeth, it affects your jawbone in that it loses some mass when the tooth is removed. Dental implants replace the mass in your jawbone that your original teeth provided and thus prevent bone loss.
· Looks exactly like your natural teeth
Because of the way they are designed and placed in your mouth, only you and your dentist will know which teeth are implants and which are your original teeth.
· Maintains a regular bite
Other types of teeth replacement don’t allow you to bite and chew like normal, as they can feel loose and awkward. That is not the case with implants, which are anchored into the jawline and thus allow you to bite and chew with full force.
· Keeps your face looking the same
Your teeth help maintain your jawline and the structure of your entire face. And if you lose one or many teeth, it will quite likely change the shape of your face. The good news is that, because of the way they are designed, implants provide actual support to your face so that when they are in place, your face will look just as it did before tooth loss.
· No worries over speech change
Anyone who has had or been around anyone that has had dentures knows that it likely changes the way you/they speak. Because implants feel and look like your own teeth, you will be able to maintain the same speech patterns you had before tooth loss – without any strange sensations that inadvertently cause your speech patterns to change, as sometimes happens with a removable denture.
· No fears over loose dental work
Speaking of dentures and denture work, there is a reason why there are several products in the marketplace designed to prevent them from slipping. It is a concern that many denture wearers suffer with. The good news with implants is that this will never happen, eliminating any fears of an embarrassing moment.
· Helps your remaining teeth
When you lose a tooth it affects all the other teeth in your mouth, as they all support each other and push against each other. An implant is an artificial tooth that offers that same amount of solidity so that your remaining teeth do not begin to move or change position to cope with the change in pressure that tooth loss incurs.
· A dental solution for life
Implants may need occasional adjustments, but that is the only concern that you may have, as implants are designed from materials that last. Dental implants are a solution that will stay with you for life.
· Ease of care
Dental implants look just like your natural teeth, feel like your natural teeth, and behave like natural teeth. The best part, however, is that you can treat them just like natural teeth. This new tooth requires no special cleaning. Just brush and floss it (or them) like you would the rest of your mouth.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you’re missing one or more teeth, are tired of dealing with dentures, partials, or bridges, and have good oral health, then dental implants might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Patients that receive dental implants need to be in good oral and overall health – that means you need healthy gum tissues (no periodontal disease) and sufficient bone density in the jaw to support the implant. Even if you have some bone loss in your jaw, bone grafts can make implants a viable option.
Those patients who suffer from diabetes or leukemia may have trouble with implants post-surgery – it can affect the healing process. Implants are also not a viable option for those who continue to use tobacco products post-surgery.
Types of Dental Implant Procedures
We’ve already noted that there are two common types of implants, known as endosteal (in the bone) and subperiosteal (on the bone). And that the main difference between the two is how the implants fit in conjunction with your jawbone. Sometimes these oral surgeries require multiple procedures over some time.
However, there are also different types of dental implant surgeries.
Your dentist will sit down with you and help determine exactly what type of dental surgery is right for you. The different types of artificial tooth placement include:
- Single Tooth Dental Implants – Fix one missing spot in your mouth.
- Multiple Tooth Dental Implants – Replace numerous holes in your smile.
- Full Mouth Dental Implants – Dentists can replace your entire set of teeth with artificial teeth if necessary.
- Sinus augmentation – One of the most difficult areas to affix a dental implant is the upper back jaw (there is often insufficient bone quantity and quality in the region, and it is proximity to the sinuses, which can complicate proceedings). However, sinus augmentation may address this problem by raising the sinus floor and developing bone.
- Ridge modification – If you do not have enough bone in your jaw to allow for a dental implant, there is the option of a ridge modification, a type of bone graft. In this procedure, an oral surgeon will lift gum from the ridge to expose the spot that requires more bone. Real or substitute bone grafting will be used to fill the spot and allow for the use of implants.
After Your Dental Implant Procedure
Even though dental implants are a wonderful and lasting solution to a real problem, they require a thorough procedure, and immediately following your implant surgery, you may experience some discomfort, including:
· Swelling and bruising of the gums and face
· Some pain at the implant site
· Minor bleeding
The good news is that you can easily address most concerns with pain medications or antibiotics. NOTE: If swelling, discomfort, or any other problem increases in the days after surgery, contact your oral surgeon.
You may also need to eat soft foods in the days following implant surgery while allowing the site to fully heal.
How Do I Care for Dental Implants?
The good news is that you can treat your dental implants just like your regular teeth! That means maintaining strong oral hygiene habits that include twice daily brushing and regular flossing.
We also recommend that anyone with dental implants:
· Use a toothbrush with soft bristles
· Use a low-abrasive toothpaste
· Use an interdental brush to clean hard-to-reach places
· Use a recommended oral irrigator (water pick)
Why Choose Parrish Childs for Your Implant Procedure?
At Parrish Childs Dental, we’ve been caring for families in Gainesville and north Georgia for 40-plus years, and we’ve kept up with every advancement in dental technology and practice. We also put a premium on helping you to obtain and maintain the best smile possible – all while providing the best in personal and caring service.
That means that our caring dentists will be happy to discuss dental implants with you in-depth and figure out what solution might be best for you.
Implants have a 98 percent success rate as a tooth replacement, and we have the experience and know-how to help you become another success story. There’s no reason for you to suffer with a hole – or multiple holes – in your smile. And there’s also no reason to battle annoying, unsatisfying, or inadequate dental work such as dentures and bridges. We also work in close concert with other trusted dental specialists (such as a periodontist), so we can offer the best in care for anyone seeking implant dentures.
Let us show you what dental implants can do for you.
Get Your Dental Implants in Today!
If you live in and around Gainesville and are interested in dental implants but aren’t sure where to start, know that Parrish-Childs Dentistry is here for you. Our highly qualified and friendly staff understands every aspect of implant dentistry and will help you receive the care that serves you best.
Do not wait to talk to a dentist about implant placement. Call Parrish-Childs Dentistry in Gainesville today at 770-536-0581 and let us help ensure your optimum oral health.
