At Boger Dental, we prioritize the best quality for our patients. That starts with ensuring you get all the information you need to make the best choices for your best smile. Today, we’re going to talk about dental implants and how they impact your oral healthcare. Our Dentists believe that the more informed a patient is, the better prepared. This makes the treatment process smoother as you work your way to a better smile.
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Dental implants are artificial teeth that cover up spaces once occupied by old teeth. When a tooth is lost due to injury or disease, a person can experience complications such as rapid bone loss, problems with speech, or changes to chewing patterns that result in discomfort. Replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life and health. Dental Implants can also help prevent more severe problems.
Dental implant systems consist of a dental implant body, an implant abutment and also includes a crown that goes over the top. Modern dental implants are generally made of titanium, a material that the body naturally accepts. The implant body looks like a screw that goes into the bone. It’s attached to the abutment, which extends through gums into the mouth to support the attached artificial teeth or crown.
HOW DO DENTAL IMPLANTS WORK?
Once your dentist has determined a need for implants, they can begin the treatment process. The implant process starts with the implant being surgically inserted in the jawbone to replace the missing tooth’s root. In time, the jawbone and gum tissue around this area will integrate with the implant itself. This forms an artificial root, which will hold the implant in place for many years.
Once the implant area has fully healed, a small connector, the abutment, would be attached to the implant to hold the new tooth, also known as a crown. These days, crowns have the same color and shape as your teeth to seamlessly blend in with your natural smile. If multiple teeth are missing, we can fix a bridge or denture onto the implant instead of a crown.
Since the implant fuses to your bone, dental implant restorations feel and function more like natural teeth. Many people also find the fit more comfortable and secure than conventional substitutes.
WHAT IS THE DENTAL IMPLANT PROCESS?
The dental implant procedure will typically consist of three separate phases. This can take six to nine months to complete.
PHASE ONE: PLANNING
If you decide on dental implant treatment, your dentists will examine the bone structure around the missing tooth using x-rays and a 3D scan. The proper bone height, width, and density are necessary to properly place an implant in the best location for the best results. If a patient has a partially missing tooth, the remains of the tooth will have to be removed before the procedure. If the bone density is low, bone grafting may be necessary before we can place the implant. This ensures your bones can support pressure from biting and chewing once your implant is placed. If bone grafting is required, patients will usually need to wait three months for the area to heal before moving on to the second phase. Phase two can start immediately if no bone grafting is required.
PHASE 2: PLACEMENT
During this phase of the treatment process, the titanium implant will be inserted into the predetermined location. This procedure usually takes about 1-2 hours. Patients are typically allowed 3-4 months for healing time before moving to Phase 3. You may be scheduled for regular check-ups with your dentists throughout this healing period.
PHASE 3: RESTORATION
The final phase is implant restoration. Your doctor will place a natural-looking dental crown on top of the abutment or attach a fixed bridge to the implant posts. If you need a complete arch replacement or a denture, the entire teeth apparatus will be attached to the implant posts. Whatever your specific situation, the implants will restore full functionality and significantly improve the overall appearance of your smile!
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR NEW IMPLANTS
Your implant requires routine maintenance, just like any other tooth in your mouth. While your implant will not decay, the bone supporting the implant can still be affected by gum disease without proper care. Keep your teeth, gums, and dental work clean by regularly brushing and flossing twice daily. If you are having trouble cleaning around your implant, you can try using a proxy brush or even a Waterpik for the hard-to-reach places for deeper cleaning.
Routine dental care with your dentist will help maintain your implant’s health and longevity. Still, you should avoid activities that can crack or damage your teeth or implants, like chewing ice, grinding your teeth, or using them as tools to open things. Most patients could also benefit from using a mouthguard during activities with an increased risk of mouth injury or a nightguard while sleeping..
Be sure to inform us about any problems that come up, big or small. The sooner we can catch an issue, the easier it is to avoid a costly or painful repair.
BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
There are many benefits that patients considering dental implants can benefit from. Dental implants function like natural teeth, covered with natural-looking tooth crowns. They can stimulate bone growth, especially compared to patients who get dental bridges and have adjacent teeth drilled down to fit crowns. Patients also benefit from durability. Dental implants that are placed and cared for correctly can last a lifetime!
Dental implants function like natural teeth, and you won’t notice any differences when eating your favorite foods. Dental implants are also a safe solution for your body that integrates well with your gum and bone tissue, made from titanium, a biocompatible material. Dental implants can be brushed and flossed just like your natural teeth, and because of their natural appearance and functionality, they look real and won’t move or slide when you speak, smile, or eat.
RECLAIM YOUR SMILE WITH THE BOGER DENTAL TEAM
Our friendly Boger Dental team is here to help you keep your smile healthy. We are committed to delivering personalized, family-friendly dentistry in a comfortable setting. If you or someone you know is considering dental treatment, please give us a call. Our office in Plymouth is ready to brighten the smiles of the people in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area!