Have you ever felt self-conscious about a missing tooth and wished for a permanent solution to restore your smile? If so, dental implants may be the answer for you. Unfortunately, millions of people, just like you, deal with tooth loss due to decay, injury, or other dental issues. Thankfully, modern dentistry offers a long-lasting and natural-looking artificial restoration called a dental implant. Understanding what dental implants are and whether you are an ideal candidate for this smile-changing procedure is essential in determining if dental implants are the right choice to enhance your teeth and help you smile confidently again.
At Simpson Dental, we offer comprehensive dental implant solutions to help restore your smile. Our experienced team utilizes advanced technology and our in-office lab to create custom implant restorations that fit well, look natural, and can often be completed more efficiently than traditional methods. We focus on treating your mouth as part of your whole health, ensuring your dental implant treatment contributes to your oral and overall well-being.
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular and highly effective method to replace missing or extracted teeth. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. Once the implant has healed, it can provide a strong, stable foundation for a replacement tooth known as a crown or even a full set of teeth. Dental implants are made up of three parts: the implant itself, an abutment or connector piece, and the dental restoration.
The implant is typically made of titanium because it is durable and compatible with the human body. Over time, the titanium post will fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration to ensure a secure, comfortable fit. With the right attention, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them an excellent solution for improving both function and appearance.
The Initial Consultation
The dental implant journey begins with an in-depth evaluation. During this first appointment, we’ll examine your oral health using advanced imaging technology to assess bone density and determine if you’re a good candidate for implants. We’ll discuss your medical history and expectations and develop a customized treatment plan targeting your needs.
The Implant Placement Procedure
During your implant procedure, we strategically place the titanium implant post into your jawbone. This implant serves as an artificial tooth root and creates a stable foundation for your restoration. Our digital scanning technology allows us to take precise impressions without the mess or discomfort of traditional methods. Thanks to our in-office lab capabilities, many patients can receive their implant-supported teeth on the same day.
The Healing Phase and Final Restoration
After placement, your implant undergoes a process called osseointegration, where it fuses with your jawbone. This crucial healing phase typically takes several weeks to months, depending on your healing capacity and the location of the implant. During this time, you may have a temporary restoration to maintain appearance and function. Once your jawbone and implant have fully fused, we will place your final restoration to complete the process.
How To Know If You Are a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a great option for most people! However, because dental implants are anchored into the jawbone, having enough bone density to support them is critical. When you lose a tooth from trauma or extraction, the supporting jawbone deteriorates without the stimulation of a tooth root. Before your implant procedure, we will perform a CT scan to determine if you have enough bone density to support the implant. But don’t worry! If you’ve experienced bone loss due to missing teeth or periodontal disease, we may recommend a bone graft to strengthen the area before getting implants.
If you want a replacement that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth, a dental implant is the gold standard. Unlike dentures that can shift or bridges that require alterations to their neighboring teeth, implants deliver a strong and permanent solution for missing or extracted teeth.
Discover if Dental Implants Are Right for You At Simpson Dental
Our in-office lab at Simpson Dental PLLC allows us to create custom dental implant restorations that fit well and look natural, often in a more timely manner than traditional methods. We pride ourselves on our advanced technology and comprehensive approach to dental care, prioritizing treating your mouth as part of your whole body’s health. Our experienced team can help determine if you’re an ideal candidate for dental implants and develop a personalized treatment plan to rebuild your smile and confidence.
When you’re ready to explore dental implant options, we invite you to experience the Simpson Dental difference. Our commitment to quality care and natural-looking results has helped numerous West Virginia patients achieve the smiles they deserve. Don’t let missing teeth hinder your confidence or oral health any longer. Contact us today at (304) 342-6162 or through our contact form to schedule your dental implant consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is best qualified to perform dental implants?
Dental implants are intricate procedures that require a skilled dental professional. Oral surgeons or dentists with specialized training in implant dentistry are the best-qualified professionals to perform dental implant surgery. These experts have the necessary skills to assess your jawbone health, plan your dental implant procedure, and handle any complications that may arise. Additionally, they are trained in surgical procedures, such as bone grafting, to ensure the success of the implants and restore your smile with precision.
What should I expect during the dental implant procedure?
During the dental implant procedure, a skilled oral surgeon will carefully place a titanium post into your jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. The procedure is performed under anesthesia, so you’ll be comfortable throughout the surgery. After the implant is placed, you will go through a healing phase called osseointegration, where the implant fuses with the bone. Once healing is complete, a final restoration, such as a crown, will be attached to the implant, giving you a fully functional tooth.
Can gum disease affect my dental implant surgery?
Yes, gum disease can impact your dental implant surgery. If you have an active gum infection, the inflammation and damage to the gum tissue may affect the success of your dental implant procedure. Healthy gums are essential for the implant’s stability, as gum disease can lead to bone loss, complicating the implant process. It’s crucial to treat any gum disease before undergoing implant surgery to ensure the best possible outcome and avoid complications like implant failure.
How does bone grafting work in dental implants?
Bone grafting is a procedure that may be necessary before dental implant surgery, especially if you’ve experienced bone loss due to missing teeth or gum disease. In this process, a dental professional will use either synthetic or natural bone material to rebuild the bone structure in your jaw. This ensures that there is enough solid bone to securely anchor the dental implants. Bone grafting typically requires a healing period before the implants can be placed, but it plays a crucial role in achieving long-lasting results.
What makes Simpson Dental different when it comes to dental implants?
At Simpson Dental, we have decades of experience in providing high-quality dental implant solutions. Our team utilizes state-of-the-art technology and an in-office lab to create custom implant restorations, ensuring a perfect fit and natural look. Unlike other practices, we offer same-day implant-supported teeth in many cases, streamlining the process and minimizing discomfort. Our team’s expertise in implant dentistry, combined with personalized care, ensures that you get the best possible results. Call us at (304) 342-6162 or visit our contact form to learn more.