Do you have one or more missing teeth? Are you looking for a permanent way to replace your lost teeth? Dental implants are the perfect restorative dentistry treatment to replace missing teeth. These dental restorations are made of titanium metal and can replace a single tooth or multiple missing teeth. We offer dental implants in Clarkston, MI that can restore the appearance and comfort of patients’ smiles.
Dental Implants in Clarkston, MI
A dental implant is a small, metal post that your dentist or oral surgeon will insert into the jaw bone via a surgical procedure. It takes anywhere from from one to eight implant fixtures to support a dental restoration on the upper and lower jaw. Implant fixtures come in a variety of sizes to accommodate the different locations along the jaw as well as the amount of bone that is available. Since the implants are biocompatible, they will fuse to the bone to create a sturdy foundation for the false teeth or tooth.
Dental Implant Options
- Single Missing Tooth: Patients missing only one tooth will have a single dental implant placed in the jaw bone. A dental crown will be attached to the implant to act as the missing tooth.
- Multiple Missing Teeth: When multiple consecutive teeth are missing, two or more implant posts will be placed in the jaw bone. A custom dental bridge will be fixed to the implants.
- All Teeth are Missing: Anywhere from two to eight dental implants will be used to secure a custom denture on the arch if all the teeth are missing.
The Dental Implant Process
Before treatment, we always ensure that patients are in good physical and oral health. Your dentist will first conduct a thorough examination of your oral health to determine if dental is the right tooth replacement solution for you. If you need it, we offer tooth extraction services and gum disease treatment to ensure you are entirely healthy. As part of your treatment planning, we will take digital tooth scans. These scans allow us to find the best places to place the implants.
We also take impressions to create dental restorations which the implants secure. If needed, we will recommend bone grafting services. Patients with insufficient jaw bone tissue to support implants will need healthy tissue. Grafting takes healthy tissue from one part of the mouth and places it where needed.
During the surgical phase, we will place the implant fixtures in your jaw at the planned location. We will numb the mouth and use nitrous oxide, so you do not feel pain during implant surgery. Next, we will make an incision in the gums to access the jaw bone and place the dental implants.
Over three to six months, the implants fuse with the jawbone. This process, called osseointegration, allows the implants to integrate into the mouth to create a solid foundation.
We will provide you with a temporary restoration during this healing period. Once your implants heal, we will place the permanent dental crown, bridge, or denture.
Dental Implant FAQs
Dental implants are a sophisticated yet complicated tooth replacement solution. The entire process can be confusing for our patients. We encourage you to read through our frequently asked questions section to learn more about them. If you have further questions or concerns, please contact us during regular business hours.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are permanent if patients care for their smiles. Although patients may need to replace their dental restorations over time, the implant posts are permanent. To care for your dental implants, continue to brush and floss.
What is All-On-4?
An All-On-Four treatment uses four or more implants to secure an arch of missing teeth. Implant-secured dentures support bone and gum tissue while creating a more aesthetically pleasing smile. Patients do not need a dental implant to replace each tooth; instead, they can receive All-On-Four treatment.
How can dental implants fail?
Peri-implantitis is the most common cause of implant failure. In addition, patients who develop gum disease during their implant treatment can lose their implant. Gum disease deteriorates the gum tissue and recedes the gums.
Contact our office if you notice changes in the comfort of your dental restoration. We can try to salvage your dental implants. Our team will take dental x-rays to find the source of your implant failure.
If you have infected gum tissue, we can provide you with a deep cleaning treatment to minimize harmful bacteria. If you have lost some of your jaw bone tissue, we will need to remove the implant and perform bone grafting treatment.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most healthy individuals will qualify for dental implants. You should sufficient bone density to support the implants, be in good oral health, and good overall health. This includes not smoking. You will need to be evaluated by a dentist to determine if you are a candidate.
What sets dental implants apart from other tooth replacement options?
An implant supported restoration is the only tooth replacement option that will prevent bone loss in the jaw. The implant fixtures will fuse to the bone acting as missing teeth roots. This will provide enough stimulation for the bone so that it is able to regenerate. Avoiding bone loss will help hold the natural shape of your and prevent a premature aged look.
What type of dental restoration will I need?
The type of dental restoration you will need as well as the number of dental implants you need depends on how many teeth you are missing. After your consultation and examination, you dentist will create a personalized treatment plan that will indicate which restoration is best for you. In most cases, a single tooth is replaced with a dental crown. Multiple missing teeth require a denture or dental bridge.
Can I get dental implants if I have gum disease?
You must be in good oral health to qualify for dental implants. If you have gum disease, your dentist will need to thoroughly evaluate your gum health to determine if treatment is needed before proceeding with implants.
What are the downsides of choosing dental implants?
Dental implants are the most expensive treatment to replace your teeth compared to dental bridges and dentures. The treatment time also takes several months and sometimes up to a year. Other teeth replacement options can be completed in less than a month. The implant fixtures must be surgically inserted into the jaw bone. The surgical phase of the treatment eliminates some people from receiving this treatment as it carries some risks such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage.
Restore Missing Teeth with Dental Implants in Clarkston, MI
If you need to replace a missing tooth or several missing teeth, you can trust the experts at Clarkston Dental Care to replace them with dental implants in Clarkston, MI. We offer expert implant dentistry services. To book your dental implant consultation, contact us at 248-985-2906 or request an appointment online by filling out the form.