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Unlike your natural teeth, dental implants can't get cavities.
Your dentist will first sit down with you to determine if dental implants best suit your unique needs. After examining your mouth, administering X-rays, and checking your jaw health, your dentist will decide if one or more dental implants will provide the proper tooth restoration required for your smile. At this time, you and your dentist can discuss other restorative dentistry alternatives that may be a better fit for you.
Once you’ve been approved for treatment, your dentist will schedule your oral surgery appointment and provide a surgical plan. During the surgery, your dentist will open your gum tissue slightly to securely place a dental implant in the jaw. Your dentist will complete the procedure by cleaning the area and adding sutures to begin the healing process.
Your gums will begin to heal once your implants have been placed. Most patients heal completely from surgery within 1-2 weeks. In a process called “osseointegration,” the dental implant will take between 3-6 months to permanently bond with your jaw bone.
To ensure proper healing and bonding occurs, you’ll want to visit our office for a few follow-up appointments after your surgery. Your dentist will examine your jaw and gums and take impressions of your implant and teeth. These impressions will be sent over to a lab, who will craft a custom prosthetic, dental crown or arch of teeth.
After the lab has completed your prosthetic and your mouth has fully healed, you’ll visit our office for your final appointment. During the visit, your dentist will complete the procedure by permanently placing the restoration to your dental implant.
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Keep your mouth and dental implant healthy by brushing and flossing regularly. Don’t forget to see your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and oral exam.
As the most-frequently used dental implant, single-tooth implants are made up of two main parts. The dental implant, or post, is a titanium rod with a screw-like shape. A dental crown is the restoration that is usually applied to the single implant.
To place a single dental implant, the post is bonded permanently into your gum and jaw. As the gum heals, a dental crown is created, which is eventually attached to the post by an “abutment.” This dental crown reinstates the shape, function, and appearance of your natural tooth. Unlike a partial denture, single-tooth implants are extremely durable and never move or shift.
If you are missing all or most of your natural teeth, and are looking for a secure, durable alternative to traditional dentures, full-arch implants may be the best option for you. By placing a series of 4-6 dental implants per arch into your mouth, you can enjoy the look and function of a new smile that can last a lifetime.
These dental implants act as artificial roots that allow a set of removable implant-supported overdentures or fixed dental bridges to permanently bond to the gumline and restore your smile. Full-arch implants look and feel much more natural, and will never shift or move when you eat or speak, unlike dentures.
Similar to standard dental implants, mini implants are about half of the size of a traditional implant. They can be used to restore one tooth or several missing teeth, but mini implants are most commonly used to support a set of dentures in the lower jaw.
Due to their small size, the placement process is not as invasive as traditional implants. Plus, mini implants can usually still be applied in your jaw even if it has been weakened by bone resorption after tooth loss.
Unlike dentures which require replacements, dental implants can potentially last a lifetime.
Dental implants are composed of two unique parts: one screw-shaped titanium “post”, and the restorative component, which is usually a dental crown and abutment. A wide selection of pre-selected post sizes are available to ensure each patient gets an implant that suits their needs. The restoration, on the other hand, is a custom-made appliance. Once your dentist secures your dental implant, they will administer impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab.
The lab will create a long-lasting, resilient dental implant restoration. Most are crafted out of porcelain or another high-quality, durable material. Once the restoration is complete, the lab will send it back to our office, and your dentist will complete the procedure by securely attaching your dental implant in place.
When properly placed and maintained with care, dental implants can last up to 30 years or more. It’s very common for patients to keep their implants for the rest of their lives.
The dental implant restoration, on the other hand, may not last this long. Restorations such as dental crowns or overdentures are exposed to regular wear and tear from chewing, biting, and more. Over the years, the restoration may need to be replaced a few times to keep your smile healthy and functional.
Dental implants can become infected, but it is a very rare complication. Known as “peri-implantitis,” a dental implant infection usually only occurs if the implant is not kept clean or cared for after surgery.
To avoid peri-implantitis and maintain a healthy implant, follow your dentist’s instructions while recovering, and be sure to brush and floss regularly after your implant has healed.
Yes. When your jaw is no longer stimulated by the natural pressure of chewing and biting, bone loss will occur. Losing a tooth stops this process, causing the jaw bone to weaken.
When the dental implant post is bonded directly into the jaw bone, it acts as an artificial tooth root and transmits the force of chewing and biting through the root and into your jaw bone, keeping it healthy and strong.
There are a few types of dental implants that can be done in one day. The restoration your dentist provides is a temporary appliance to keep your tooth healthy and functional until you have fully healed from your dental implant placement surgery. With your restoration, you can speak and eat normally throughout the healing process.
Your dentist will schedule a series of follow up appointments to track your healing process and take impressions of your teeth. These impressions will help the lab create your custom-made restoration, which will be a more permanent, durable, and natural-looking prosthetic than your temporaries.
Single tooth implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing a missing tooth. They are designed to mimic the look, feel, and function of a natural tooth. A single tooth implant consists of three main components: the implant post, the abutment, and the dental crown. The implant post is made of biocompatible titanium and is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as a replacement for the tooth root. The abutment is attached to the implant post and serves as a connector between the implant post and the dental crown. Finally, the dental crown is custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural-looking replacement for the missing tooth.
Yes, a single tooth can be implanted. In fact, single tooth implants are one of the most common dental implant procedures performed today. Whether you have lost a tooth due to decay, injury, or other reasons, a single tooth implant can be a great solution for restoring your smile and improving your oral health. The implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the surrounding bone over time. Once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, the abutment and dental crown are attached, completing the restoration process and giving you a beautiful and functional new tooth.
A single tooth implant is designed to be a long-term solution for replacing a missing tooth. With proper care and maintenance, a single tooth implant can last a lifetime. The implant post is made of durable titanium, which is known for its strength and biocompatibility. It fuses with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable and permanent foundation for the dental crown. The dental crown itself is made of high-quality materials that are resistant to wear and tear. However, it's important to note that the longevity of a single tooth implant also depends on factors such as oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and overall oral health.
There are several advantages to choosing a single tooth implant over a traditional dental bridge. First and foremost, a single tooth implant does not require the adjacent teeth to be modified or prepared, as is the case with a bridge. This means that the healthy teeth on either side of the gap can be preserved, reducing the risk of damage or decay. Additionally, a single tooth implant provides better stability and functionality compared to a bridge. Since the implant post is securely anchored into the jawbone, it acts as a replacement for the tooth root and stimulates the surrounding bone, helping to maintain its strength and density. Furthermore, a single tooth implant looks and feels more like a natural tooth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result.
The process of getting a single tooth implant typically involves several steps and may require multiple visits to the dental office. Here is an overview of what you can expect during a single tooth dental implant procedure:
1. Consultation and Treatment Planning: During your initial consultation, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays, and discuss your treatment goals. They will create a customized treatment plan based on your specific needs.
2. Implant Placement: The first step in the implant process is the surgical placement of the implant post into the jawbone. This is done under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. The implant post will be left to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone for a period of several months.
3. Abutment Placement: Once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, a second minor surgery may be required to attach the abutment. The abutment serves as a connector between the implant post and the dental crown.
4. Dental Crown Placement: After the abutment is in place, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create a custom-made dental crown. The crown will be carefully crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. Once the crown is ready, it will be securely attached to the abutment, completing the restoration process.
The single tooth implant procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, which ensures that you won't feel any pain during the surgery. However, it's normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the days following the procedure. Your dentist may prescribe pain medications or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage any post-operative pain. It's important to follow your dentist's instructions for aftercare and take any prescribed medications as directed. Most patients find that any discomfort associated with the implant procedure is easily manageable and subsides within a few days.
Dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth, or chronic dental problems. They are artificial tooth roots, similar in shape to screws. When dental implants are placed in your jawbone, they bond with your natural bone, providing a sturdy base for supporting one or more artificial teeth, called crowns.
Dr. Jessica Barton at Harmony Dentistry in Westfield, IN, is highly experienced in dental implant procedures. She ensures the implants are perfectly matched to your natural teeth in terms of color, size, and shape, giving you a natural-looking and confident smile.
Almost anyone who is missing one or more teeth, or has a damaged tooth that needs replacement, is a candidate for dental implants. However, it's essential that the patient has enough bone in the jaw to support the implant.
Patients should also be in good overall health, as certain diseases and health conditions can affect the success of dental implants. Dr. Barton can determine your suitability for dental implants during a comprehensive dental examination at Harmony Dentistry.
The process for getting dental implants typically involves several steps that take place over a period of a few months. It starts with a consultation and detailed dental examination by Dr. Barton.
Next, the dental implant is surgically placed into the jawbone. Over the next few months, the implant and the bone are allowed to bond together to form an anchor for the artificial tooth. During this healing time, a temporary tooth replacement can be worn over the implant site.
Finally, a custom-made crown is attached to the implant, providing the appearance and function of a natural tooth. Dr. Barton ensures that your implant fits perfectly and matches the color of your surrounding teeth.
Yes, dental implants are safe. They have been used for over 50 years and are widely recognized as a reliable solution for tooth replacement. They are made from biocompatible materials which ensure they bond well with the jawbone and do not cause any adverse reactions.
However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications. These may include infection, nerve damage, and sinus problems. At Harmony Dentistry, Dr. Barton takes every precaution to minimize these risks, ensuring a safe and successful dental implant procedure.
Remember, every patient is unique, and your treatment will be customized to your specific needs and oral health condition. If you are considering dental implants in Westfield, IN, Dr. Barton at Harmony Dentistry would be happy to discuss your options and answer any further questions you may have.
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Dental implants are made of titanium, which is one of the strongest and most durable metals.
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