What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a long-term solution for replacing a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. They are a popular choice for restoring your smile and confidence. A thorough clinical assessment is required to determine if dental implants are the right treatment for you. During your consultation, we will discuss the benefits, risks, and alternatives to help you make an informed decision.
Types of Dental Implants:
Single Implants
A single tooth implant may be made if a tooth is missing or has been removed. A titanium implant is placed into the jawbone to resemble the tooth root.
Multiple Implants
The placement of multiple implants is a treatment option for patients who are missing several or all of their upper and/or lower teeth.
Implant Placement
There are two phases to implant dentistry.
Phase 1
Using very accurate surgical techniques, the implants are placed into dimensionally controlled sites (depth and width) in the jawbone. This must be allowed to establish itself and bind to the bone, which may take anywhere from 3-6 months. During this waiting stage, we can usually provide a temporary tooth to assist with aesthetics.
Phase 2
Once the implant has bonded to the jawbone, we place the abutment, which is the connector for your new tooth. A final restoration can then be placed. To ensure your new smile lasts for many years, regular check-ups, brushing twice a day, and flossing once a day are required. Please note that individual results and the longevity of the restoration can vary based on a patient’s unique circumstances and care.
Your Dental Implant Journey
At Oakstone Dental, we are committed to providing a high standard of dental care. We invite you for an initial consultation where we will assess your needs and discuss your treatment options for replacing missing teeth with dental implants. Our team of dentists believes in a collaborative approach and will work together to create a personalized plan. We will thoroughly discuss all the benefits, risks, and alternatives to ensure you feel confident and fully informed about your dental health journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should consider dental implants?
If you are missing one or multiple teeth, implants may offer the answer. Dental implants are now the standard of care in tooth replacement. They function and feel like natural teeth and often eliminate the need for partial plates or dentures. These have been used successfully for over thirty years and come with a consistently high success rate.
What does the implant process involve?
The procedure involves two phases. In the first phase we place a titanium implant into the jawbone using precise surgical techniques. That implant then needs three to six months to integrate with the bone. We can offer a temporary tooth during this stage if you prefer
Oakstone Dental.
In the second phase we attach an abutment to the healed implant and follow with placement of your new tooth or teeth within two to three weeks.
How do I look after my new implants?
You keep implants lasting for years by maintaining good habits. We ask you to attend regular check ups, brush twice daily and floss once daily to ensure your new smile endures beautifully.