What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the foundation for replacement teeth. They act as the base, or the “roots” of new teeth. Like dentures, bridges and crowns, dental implants replace missing teeth or any teeth that are otherwise compromised. Dental implants are becoming more popular because they feel and behave like natural teeth. They fuse to your jawbone, so they function like real teeth, too. This is a significant difference between dental implants and dentures. Dentures may slip, slide, or even fall out causing one to feel self-conscious and restrict the type of food they eat. None of this will happen with dental implants. The root is strong and durable because, over time, the implants actually fuse with the living cells of the jaw bone.

Why Should I Consider Dental Implants?

Modern dentistry has provided many new technologies when it comes to oral health care. In the case of missing or failing teeth, dental implants are the best advancement by far. Implants have a higher success rate than any other tooth-replacement option.  With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Compare this to dentures which typically last 5-7 years and bridges which last 7-10 years. Reduced longevity of dental implants is largely due to basic poor oral hygiene or excessive jaw clenching or teeth grinding. Proper oral care and wearing a mouth guard easily address these potential pitfalls. In addition to restoring a beautiful smile, dental implants help prevent bone loss within the jaw, as the jaw bone naturally deteriorates when teeth are lost. Missing teeth can also cause bite misalignment and the alteration of facial shape.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are typically comprised of three elements: the implant, the abutment and the crown. The implant is typically a small, titanium screw-shaped post that replaces the root of a missing tooth. The surgical procedure of inserting the implant requires only local anesthesia in many cases. The implant is topped with a customized, artificial tooth, or crown, that is shaped and colored to match your existing natural teeth. The abutment is used to connect the implant to the crown.

Are Dental Implants Feasible If I Need All My Teeth Replaced?

Dental implants are available to those who wish to replace one, two, or multiple teeth. In fact, rather than dealing with the care, replacement and nuisance of dentures, many people decide to do a full mouth treatment of dental implants. Consult with your dentist to determine if a full mouth treatment is right for you. A full mouth treatment is not as arduous as you may think. A dental implant is not required for every single tooth. An entire row of upper or lower teeth can be implanted using as few as four precisely placed implants.

Is It Possible to Receive Dental Implants in a Day?

With traditional implants, the process can take up 5 to 10 months. Same-day implants, as the name implies, are much quicker. It requires an initial consultation and then a final checkup after surgery. The implant procedure itself only requires a single visit in most cases. Many, but not all patients qualify for same-day implant treatment. Consult with your dentist to see if you are eligible. Generally speaking, same-day candidates possess good overall general health, a healthy and intact jawbone and are non-smokers. Those patients that do qualify are able to get their procedure done, and go home with a new smile that same day. The process looks something like this. During a consultation, the dentist will examine sinuses, jawbone, determine best placement the implant(s) and then customize a plan for each patient. After the consultation, the next step would be surgery. The dentist can provide a sedative for relaxation, if preferred, and then deliver a local anesthetic to prevent pain. It is at this point, any teeth requiring extraction would be removed. After a thorough cleaning, the dentist then drills holes into the bone where the implant will be placed. Once the implant is secured, the dentist may recommend a temporary over-denture which would need to be replaced in a few months, depending upon the health of the jawbone. Typically though, same-day implants mean that after the dental implant surgery, the patient can simply walk away with a new and beautiful smile. Appropriate diet and oral hygiene would need to be prioritized, however, as the jaw will need time to heal.

There is no need to be self-conscious anymore. A beautiful smile is just a phone call away. Consult Evers Dental today about whether or not you are a candidate for same-day dental implants. At Evers Dental Center, we pride ourselves on offering a welcoming, compassionate and complete approach to dental care.