Losing your adult teeth, whether from a sports injury, periodontal disease, or aging, may seem like an irreversible inconvenience. Not only does this negative change discourage smiling, but it makes chewing and talking a chore. Fortunately, it’s not as permanent as you might think.
Dental implants from John Khoury Dental give the illusion of reversing time by filling each gap with a natural-looking artificial tooth. Visit our Oxford, MI, office today to regain your brilliant smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a replacement tooth for a missing permanent one. It resembles natural teeth above the gum line with a sturdy custom-made crown and includes a screw-like rod within the gum that acts as the roots. The prosthetic tooth snaps onto the titanium rod with an abutment that keeps it locked in place for natural use.
Types of Dental Implants
Full-Mouth Dental Implants
Patients who need to replace a full upper and/or lower set of teeth can now receive full mouth implants. An oral surgeon will place 4 implants and then attach a full arc of teeth, giving the procedure its name.
Multiple Dental Implants
Occasionally a patient is missing more than one teeth, but still has healthy gums and surrounding teeth, and a multiple implant is the best solutions. Two fixtures are implanted and the crown is attached, leaving other natural teeth intact. The multiple implant is not for everyone, and even if a patient is only missing a few teeth, it may still be preferable to perform a full mouth/arch procedure.
Single-Tooth Dental Implants
If you have lost a single tooth due to an accident or from periodontal disease, that one tooth can be replaced using a dental implants. Your new tooth will look and function just like your other natural teeth.
Dental implants are one of the best ways to restore the form and function of one or more missing teeth. These fixtures can provide a fresh start for your oral health. If you’re seeking a service that replaces a tooth and helps restore your confidence, dental implants are an excellent choice. At John Khoury Dental, we can implement various fixtures with reliable dental implant surgery to improve your quality of life and oral hygiene.
The Three Parts of a Dental Implant and Their Uses
These structures are artificial teeth that emulate natural teeth. They come in three distinct parts:
Fixture
A fixture is the “root” of any dental implant. This is a screw that is implanted into the jawbone to keep it steady.
The Abutment
The abutment is the coupling piece that connects the dental prosthetic, or crown, to the fixture. It screws into the fixture and can vary depending on the type of prosthetic.
Dental Prosthetic
The dental prosthetic is the only visible part of an oral implant. It looks like a real tooth when installed properly.
Different Dental Implants for Your Needs
While every dental implant provides an artificial tooth, you can choose from three different types:
Endosteal Implants
These are the most common kinds of implants, but they require a strong, healthy jawbone for the fixture.
Subperiosteal Implants
Unlike endosteal implants, which are implanted into the jawbone, these rest on top of the bone. A metal frame is placed underneath the gum to attach the implant.
Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are the most uncommon, as they are for those lacking enough jawbone. Instead of the jawbone, these implants go on the patient's cheekbone.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
While any patient with adequate jawbone density can be a good candidate for dental implants, those with major oral or health complications are less likely to find success with implants. These complications include gum disease, blood clotting disorders, or chronic illnesses, so talk to your dentist about eligibility and pre-treatments.
Are Dental Implants a One-Day Procedure?
Dental implants take up to three visits to complete. During your first visit, your dentist examines the affected tooth that needs pulling (or the socket if the tooth is already gone). They extract the tooth if needed and apply a bone graft after the extraction, prepping the bone for the implant. Depending on the bone graft size, you’ll need between two weeks to a few months to heal.
During your second visit, the dentist surgically places the titanium rod into your gums and may provide you with a temporary crown. You must wait at least six weeks for your jawbone to heal and bond with the post.
Finally, your dentist uses an abutment attached to the implant to secure the permanent crown.
How Do I Care for My Dental Implants?
Since these teeth look like your natural teeth, you should treat them as such. Practice good oral hygiene, such as using a soft-bristled brush to gently clean around both your original and artificial teeth and flossing to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup. Also, visit your trusty dentist biannually for a professional cleaning.
What Do Dental Implants Cost?
While pre and post-treatment checkups, extra preliminary procedures, and the number of implants you receive affect dental implant pricing, a sole dental implant may cost between $3,000 and $4,500. Rather than look for a cheaper alternative that may not last or lead to more costly complications, discuss a payment plan or financing option with us to get your oral health on the right track.
