Dental Implants
Dental implants use metal posts or frames that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums to anchor replacement teeth that match the look and feel of your natural teeth.
Advantages of dental implants, compared to alternatives such as dentures and bridges:
Improved appearance and comfort. Dental implants look, feel, fit and function like healthy, natural teeth. You brush and floss them just like you do your natural teet. And because they are designed to fuse with your bone, they become permanent. Implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
Durability. Dental implants that are properly cared for can last many decades. Many other options, including certain types of dental bridges and dentures, may need to be replaced as often as every 5 to 10 years.
Improved confidence and speech. Your dental implants will be secure, so they won’t slip or click when you talk, laugh or eat. They function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain and to speak without any worries.
Convenience. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.
They protect facial bone and healthy teeth. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that actually helps stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss. Getting dental implants as soon as possible after losing a tooth helps prevent bone loss at the site.
Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?
In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be a candidate for a dental implant. Patients should have healthy gums and sufficient bone mass to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. During your consultation one of our dentists here at Cosmetic Dentistry Coliseum Dental will give you a complete examination to determine if implants are right for you.
How to prepare
In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be a candidate for a dental implant. Patients should have healthy gums and sufficient bone mass to hold the implant. They also must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. During your consultation one of our dentists here at Coliseum Dental will give you a complete examination to determine if implants are right for you.
- Comprehensive dental exam. You may have dental X-rays and 3D images taken. At Coliseum Dental, we incorporate the latest in dental technology. The 3D cone beam imaging system allows us to see more than ever. Our x-ray diagnoses are more accurate, making your implant insertion more effective and safe. It can virtually help us plan and place implants into their ideal position. As a result, our patients end up with more accurate results that work better and have a smaller chance of failing.
- Review of your medical history. Tell our dentists about any medical conditions and any medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- Treatment plan. Tailored to your situation, this plan takes into account factors such as how many teeth you need replaced and the condition of your jawbone and remaining teeth.
To control pain, anesthesia options during surgery include local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia (sedation dentistry link). Our specialists (Oral surgeon or Periodontist) will discuss which option is best for you. Our dental care team will instruct you about eating and drinking before surgery, depending on what type of anesthesia you have. If you’re having sedation or general anesthesia, plan to have someone take you home after surgery and expect to rest for the remainder of the day.
What to expect
Dental implant surgery is usually an outpatient surgery performed in stages, with healing time between procedures. The process of placing a dental implant involves multiple steps, including:
- Damaged tooth removal
- Jawbone preparation (grafting), when needed
- Dental implant placement
- Bone growth and healing
- Abutment placement
- Artificial tooth placement
The entire process can take many months from start to finish. Much of that time is devoted to healing and waiting for the growth of new bone in your jaw. Depending on your situation, the specific procedure done or the materials used, certain steps can sometimes be combined.