We can replace missing teeth, improving your smile and its function with dental implants. Missing teeth, whether due to an accident, tooth decay, or a tooth extraction, is more than an inconvenience, it can lead to serious complications for your oral health. Patients can experience changes to their remaining teeth that cause a misaligned bite, crooked teeth, and even bone deterioration. Luckily, there are more options than ever before, including rebuilding the root and fully restoring a missing tooth. At Ranches Family Dental we specialize in restorative dentistry and even full tooth restoration, we offer a variety of prosthetic devices, including dental implants. An implant-supported restoration is the next best thing to your natural teeth in both look and feel. That’s because they aren’t just a false tooth, but an entire reconstruction of the area right down to the jawbone.
What Is A Dental Implant?
A dental or tooth implant is not a tooth at all, but a small titanium post that will serve as a new root. Once healed, we can then attach a dental crown to the implant replacing the entire tooth from top to bottom. This is more than a restoration, it is the rebuilding and restoring of the tooth in much the same way that your natural tooth was. Furthermore, thanks to advancements, dental implants can be used to support more than a single dental crown, they can be used to replace multiple teeth with a fixed bridge, or even a full-arch restoration! Using the All-on-4® Treatment Concept, dental implants have even changed our understanding of dentures improving their feel and function exponentially.
Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing or damaged teeth. A small metal post is surgically placed in the jawbone, and a replacement tooth is attached to the post.
Dental implants can provide improved function when eating and speaking and an improved appearance for your smile. In addition to replacing individual missing teeth, dental implants can also support dental bridges or dentures for those who have multiple missing teeth.
The success rate for dental implants is high, and they can last a lifetime with proper care. At Ranches Family Dental, we offer a long-lasting solution for your missing teeth that can significantly improve oral health and confidence in your smile.
Preparing for Implant Placement
A large step in having an implant placed is done in the preparation beforehand. Part of the initial examination includes Dr. Richard Baldwin gathering information and performing a series of diagnostic tests to ensure you are a suitable candidate for implant treatment. We will want a complete review of the health and status of all surrounding tissue and bone. In most cases, the bone will need to be bulked up through a bone graft procedure. We will also work to restore the health of the gum tissue, removing infection from periodontitis if present.
Candidacy is not necessarily based on the patient's health, but on their ability to properly heal. There are factors that can decrease healing including patients who smoke, take certain medications or suffer from certain ailments. These factors do not necessarily omit your candidacy, but we may need to work with you and your primary physician to make adjustments beforehand. Once we determine you are a suitable candidate for dental implants, we will develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Implant Placement
The surgical placement of dental implants is often done in our office. Most patients require only a simple local anesthetic, but we can discuss other sedatives if needed. Once numb, we open the tissue and then, using a specialized drill, create a space in the bone to receive the implant. The implant is placed and the tissue is stitched closed. The entire process should take less than one hour, though it can vary depending on the work being done.
With the implant now placed, the real work is done in the healing time at home. We will send you home with care instructions, but it will include looking for signs of infection and tips for caring for the post while the tissue heals. The soft gum tissue should heal within a few days, but the bone healing will take much longer, up to three months. Bone healing is a process known as osseointegration, this means that the bone regrows covering and surrounding the ridges of the implants fusing the two permanently together.
Once the bone and implant have fused, we can then attach the prosthetic being applied; this may include a dental crown, a dental bridge or even a denture. Patients receiving the All on 4 Treatment Concept will already have their denture in place at the time of surgery but will still need to allow their body time to heal.
Dental implants are popular with patients who have lost teeth or have damaged teeth. Today, these implants are designed with state-of-the-art technology and excellent material to withstand daily use, making them ideal for people who depend on their teeth and want to avoid dentures or dental bridges to maintain an active lifestyle.
What Should I Consider Before Getting an Implant?
When considering dental implants, it is essential to consider several factors.
First, a thorough evaluation by a dentist or periodontist is necessary to determine if you have enough bone to support the implant. The implant's success depends on the health of the surrounding bone and gum tissue.
It's also essential to consider the long-term commitment of a dental implant. While they can last for many years with proper care, they require regular maintenance and the dental crown that covers your implant may need to be replaced at some point. Your overall health and lifestyle choices can impact the success of the implant, as smoking and poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of implant failure.
Additionally, the cost is a factor to consider. While they are a highly effective solution for missing teeth, they can often be more expensive than other options.
At Ranches Family Dental, we prioritize patient education and want to ensure that any treatment recommended is in the best interest of the individual's unique situation. When considering a dental implant, our implant professional Dr. Richard Baldwin can provide expert guidance every step of the way.
Can I Still Eat Whatever I Want After Getting an Implant?
After recovery, the implant becomes sturdy and durable, withstanding normal chewing and biting forces. However, this doesn't mean you should neglect your oral hygiene or indulge in excessively hard or sticky foods.
These actions could potentially damage the surrounding teeth and tissues, leading to possible implant failure.
When maintaining your implant, it's best to adhere to a balanced diet and avoid behaviors that could harm your oral health. As with natural teeth, implementing exemplary practices such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily will ensure the long-term success of your implant.
In short, an implant can improve your ability to eat various foods, but it shouldn't be an excuse for poor dental care.
Schedule an Appointment with Us Today
At Ranches Family Dental, we offer high-quality dental implant services to help restore the function and appearance of your smile. Our experienced team stays up to date on the latest techniques and technology in the industry, so you can trust that you're receiving top-notch care.
We also prioritize communication with our patients, ensuring that all questions and concerns are addressed during the implant process. And, for added convenience, we offer financing options to fit various budgets. You won't be disappointed in our level of expertise and commitment to patient satisfaction. For more information and to schedule an appointment.
You too can experience the wonderful benefits of dental implants. Call (385) 374-0500 to schedule your consultation appointment today!
