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Dental Implants
Dental implants are a treatment used to replace missing teeth. This dental implant process involves the use of small titanium posts that are surgically placed within your jawbone. During your recovery period, your bone gradually fuses to the implanted posts in a process known as osseointegration. This stabilizes the posts in your jaw, providing secure support for your new teeth.
IMPLANTS FOR ALL NEEDS
Dental implants are incredibly versatile, offering solutions to meet just about every tooth replacement need. Types of dental implants include:
• Single tooth: Used to replace an individual tooth, this treatment employs one post to support a single crown. You may have individual implants in different areas of your mouth where you are missing a single tooth, or you could have single tooth implants positioned side by side.
• Multiple teeth: Also called an implant-supported bridge, this option is utilized to replace two or more consecutive missing teeth, presenting an alternative to traditional bridges and partial dentures.
• Full arch restorations: A full arch restoration replaces an entire arch of teeth. Typically, 6 to 8 posts are used; however, if you are missing significant bone mass, you might be a candidate for a treatment that avoids the need for a bone graft. This is known as the All on Four treatment concept, which supports your full arch of replacement teeth with just four posts.
THE PROCESS
Getting your dental implants requires surgery, performed under a local anesthetic and sedation. We start by making incisions in your gums to access your jawbone. Holes are then drilled into the bone, and the implant posts are placed directly inside. Once your gums are sutured, temporary teeth are set into place. After you have fully healed—this can take several weeks to several months—your final restorations are created and placed.
BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
The benefits of dental implants are numerous:
• Your new teeth look, function, and feel like natural teeth.
• The restorations are securely fastened to the posts with small screws, ensuring they do not wiggle, come loose, or fall out.
• Implants are significantly more comfortable since your teeth are supported by the implant posts rather than your gums or adjacent teeth.
• The posts stimulate your jawbone just like your natural teeth, helping to prevent bone loss in your jaw. This unique benefit is something no other tooth replacement option can offer.
ARE THERE ANY DRAWBACKS
Despite the remarkable benefits of dental implants, there are a few drawbacks to consider:
• Surgery is necessary.
• Certain medical conditions and lifestyle habits can interfere with both the treatment and the healing process.
• Recovery may take several months.
• If you have lost too much bone mass, a bone graft procedure might be needed first, which adds surgery, recovery time, and costs.
• Implants often come with a higher price tag compared to other treatments.
With dental implants, we can effectively restore the function of your missing teeth and enhance your smile while also protecting the health and shape of your jawbone. For more information and to determine if dental implants are the right choice for you, call Palisade Family Dental at (703) 404-9111 today.
Dental implant replacing a missing tooth in the jawbone.