Are you missing one or more teeth? Dental implants offer a permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth. A dental implant is a metal post that we can surgically position into the jaw. The bone grows around it, forming a tight connection, which additionally slows or stops the bone loss that occurs when the root of a natural tooth is missing. Once in place and after allowing the bone surrounding the implant time to heal, a replacement tooth is attached to the implant post. This is a permanent solution that doesn’t stress the surrounding teeth for support.
Implants can be used in a variety of ways. A single implant to replace a single missing tooth. Two implants can be used to support a bridge, which can replace multiple missing teeth. Implants can also be used to hold dentures in place to give them a more natural feel. At Cavanaugh Dental in Lansing, MI, we provide state-of-the-art implant services to help restore your smile and confidence.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials (usually titanium) that provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth. The implant post is surgically placed in your jawbone, where it bonds with the natural bone to create a strong, sturdy base for your new tooth.
A dental implant consists of three main parts:
- The implant post (the titanium screw that is placed in the jawbone)
- The abutment (the connector that attaches to the implant)
- The crown (the visible part that looks like a natural tooth)
Types of Dental Implants
Dental implants come in several forms to address different tooth replacement needs. Whether you’re missing a single tooth, several teeth, or all your teeth, there’s an implant solution designed just for you. Each type of implant uses the same proven technology, but types of dental implants differ in how the replacement teeth are supported. Understanding your options will help you and your dentist choose the best solution for your specific situation.
- Single Tooth Implants: When you’re missing just one tooth, a single dental implant is the ideal solution. The implant post is placed in your jawbone, and after healing, a custom-made crown is attached to complete your smile. Single tooth implants don’t require altering nearby healthy teeth, making them a more conservative option than traditional bridges.
- Multiple Tooth Implants: If you’re missing several teeth, multiple dental implants can be placed to support replacement teeth. Depending on how many teeth you’re missing and their location, we might recommend individual implants for each missing tooth or a smaller number of implants to support a bridge or partial denture.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: An implant-supported bridge is perfect for replacing several adjacent missing teeth. Instead of using natural teeth as anchors (as with traditional bridges), implant-supported bridges use dental implants for support. This approach preserves your remaining natural teeth while providing excellent stability and chewing function.
- All-on-4 Dental Implants: The All-on-4 treatment concept is a revolutionary approach for patients missing all teeth in one or both jaws. This technique uses just four strategically placed implants to support an entire arch of teeth. The implants are angled to maximize contact with your existing bone, often eliminating the need for bone grafting. Many patients can receive their new teeth the same day as their implant surgery, making this an efficient and life-changing solution.
What to Expect: The Dental Implant Process
A dental implant is an excellent tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth. Dental implants have many benefits and can be a great option to restore function and confidence in your smile. If you are located in East Lansing or Lansing and dental implants are of interest to you, our staff can walk you through the different options.
A critical piece of implant dentistry is first deciding if someone is a good candidate for dental implants. For a successful implant, it is crucial to have healthy gum tissue and adequate bone for support. You must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits as these are critical to the long-term success of dental implants. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment for a dental implant procedure at our Lansing office, contact us.
Preparatory Procedures
Some patients require preliminary treatments such as tooth extraction, bone grafting, or gum disease treatment before implant placement. These procedures ensure your mouth is healthy and has enough bone to support the implants.
Implant Placement
During implant surgery, our dentists will carefully place the titanium posts into your jawbone. This is typically done under local anesthesia, with sedation options available for your comfort. Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.
Healing Period
After placement, your implants need time to fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This usually takes 3-6 months, during which you may wear a temporary restoration so you’re never without teeth.
Final Restoration
Once your implants have fully integrated with your jawbone, we will attach the abutments and place your custom-designed crowns, bridge, or denture. These restorations are crafted to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered the “gold standard” of tooth replacement because of the benefits they provide for both oral health and quality of life.
- Improved Appearance and Confidence: Dental implants look and feel like your natural teeth. They’re designed to fuse with your bone, becoming permanent. This helps you feel more confident when smiling, eating, and speaking.
- Better Oral Health: Unlike tooth-supported bridges, implants don’t require reducing adjacent teeth. Because nearby teeth aren’t altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving your long-term oral health.
- Enhanced Comfort and Function: Implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures. They function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without pain or worry about slipping dentures.
- Durability and Convenience: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. They eliminate the embarrassment and inconvenience of removing dentures and the need for messy adhesives.
- Preservation of Jawbone and Facial Structure: When you lose teeth, you also lose jawbone mass over time. Implants stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss that can lead to a “sunken” facial appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Are dental implants painful?
Most patients report that dental implant surgery involves less pain than a tooth extraction. We use local anesthesia during the procedure, and any discomfort afterward can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime. The crown attached to the implant may need replacement after 10-15 years due to normal wear and tear.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Most adults with good general health are candidates for dental implants. You need to have healthy gums and enough bone to support the implant. Certain conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease may affect your eligibility. We’ll evaluate your specific situation during your consultation.
How do I care for my dental implants?
Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth: brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental check-ups. No special products are needed to clean or maintain your implants.
How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants varies depending on several factors, including the number of implants needed, any preparatory procedures required, and the type of restoration. While implants may have a higher initial cost than other tooth replacement options, their durability and benefits often make them the most cost-effective solution in the long run. We offer financing options to help make this investment in your health and appearance more affordable.
Can I get implants if I’ve been wearing dentures for years?
Yes! Many long-term denture wearers choose to switch to implant-supported dentures or full-arch implant solutions like All-on-4. Even after years of bone loss, there are often implant solutions available, possibly with the addition of bone grafting procedures.
Take the First Step Toward a Complete Smile
Don’t let missing teeth affect your quality of life any longer. Dental implants offer a permanent, natural-looking solution that can restore your smile and confidence. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and discover if dental implants are right for you.
Our team of experienced implant specialists is committed to providing exceptional care throughout your implant journey. We combine advanced technology with personalized attention to help you achieve optimal results with minimal discomfort.
Call us today at (517) 760-6845 to learn more about how dental implants can transform your smile and your life!