Dental Implants.. are you a candidate?

If you are self-conscious because you have missing teeth, wear dentures that are uncomfortable or can't eat the foods you love, a dental implant may be the right option for you. Dental implants are the perfect long-term option to restore your beautiful smile! Yes, dental implants can be quite the investment, but an investment you won't regret!

Dental implants are made up of titanium and are well compatible with the human body. They are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw to restore form and function to the mouth. It is important that you are in good health as some habits or diseases can affect whether the implant will fail. For example, uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, alcoholism, cancer or radiation to the jaw, or uncontrolled periodontal disease. It is also important to let your dentist or oral surgeon know all medical conditions, medications or herbal supplements that you are taking prior to implant placement. 

Implant placement usually requires 2-3 steps and several months for completion. 

• First, the dentist surgically places the titanium implant into the jawbone. Sometimes, a bone graft is needed and placed around the implant to help fill in the missing bone. 
• Second, osseonintegration needs to occur and usually will take 2-4 months. What makes an implant so strong is that the jawbone actually grows around and holds it in place. The implant is integrated with the jawbone and becomes one.
• Finally, the abutment and crown are placed on the implant to restore the complete restoration. The abutment is a device that joins the crown to the implant itself. Once the crown is placed, the full dental implant should be indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

If you are missing several teeth, an implant bridge may be your perfect option. This requires placing two or more implants to replace three or more teeth. 

The procedure is the same as replacing a single tooth, and a bridge is joined onto the abutments. The teeth have been replaced and bone loss has been halted. 

If you are missing all teeth on the upper or lower jawbone, an implant supported denture can be made. Why is this a better option than just a denture? The denture itself is joined onto the implants and can be secured or made to be removable. This option makes chewing, eating and talking much more normal.

Dental implants differ from natural teeth in several ways. There are also a few perks of a dental implant that makes it the best long-term option! Teeth are susceptible to decay as well as the need for a root canal. Dental implants are metal and do not decay or need root canals. The surrounding gums of natural teeth are susceptible to Periodontal Disease while dental implants are susceptible to Peri-implantitis; an inflammatory response to bacteria. 

If you are interested in dental implants, it is important that you get a full oral evaluation by your dentist. Implants do require good oral health much like natural teeth. Your dentist will carefully monitor your implants for mobility and that the implant crown, bridgework or dentures are functioning properly. 

Dr. Liddiard is capable, confident and licensed in placing any dental implant you are in need of. A free consultation is waiting for you! Visit our website for more information!

-A Healthy Body Starts With a Healthy Smile-