Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
If you’re self-conscious about missing teeth and don’t feel like removable dentures would work for your lifestyle, our Ann Arbor dentists can speak to you about exploring dental implants.
Here at Excel Dental, our goal is to give you the smile of your dreams. That means we’ll work with you one-on-one to determine whether you are a candidate for dental implants and take care of you every step of the way from the consultation to the surgical placement and beyond.
Here’s what you need to know about the dental implant procedure, benefits, and how best to care for them.
Dental Implants Explained
In short, a is a small, artificial tooth root that resembles a screw. Often made of the biocompatible material titanium, dental implants are placed directly in your jawbone so that they can bond with your natural bone and become a sturdy base for a natural-looking porcelain crown.
Learn More → Why You Don’t Need to Be Nervous About Dental Implants
Unlike dentures, dental implants are not removable so there is no risk of them slipping at inopportune times. Due to their placement, they also give your jawbone tissue the stimulation it needs to stay healthy. If there’s no pressure from a tooth root, the body will begin to automatically absorb the minerals that make up the jawbone underneath the open space which can lead to deterioration over time.
If you’re interested, our dentists can help you prevent this reality by walking you through the implant process and performing a thorough evaluation of your smile in our Ann Arbor dental office.
What to Expect for the Procedure
Generally speaking, dental implant placement from start to finish will take several months. This is because the implant itself needs time to successfully anchor to your jawbone through a process called osseointegration and the area has to heal fully before the abutment (connector piece) and crown can be adhered.
If it’s found that you are in fact a candidate for dental implants, one of our dentists will schedule an appointment for the procedure. Should you require bone grafting before your dental implants, we can schedule that as well.
Read More → Need a Dental Bone Graft? Here’s What to Know
During the appointment, you’ll be given local anesthesia prior to the implant being placed in your jawbone. Because of the anesthesia, you should not feel any discomfort during the procedure beyond some pressure but may feel sore post-surgery. Fortunately, the use of over-the-counter medication can help manage any pain.
As you heal over the next few months, the dental implant will fuse to your jaw and form a strong, long-lasting foundation for your replacement teeth. Our dentists will monitor your healing throughout this time and once you’re good to go, you’ll return to our office to have a porcelain crown placed over the implant. The presence of the crown will complete the process and give you the look and function of a natural tooth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
There are several advantages to having dental implants. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants:
- Are anchored to your jaw for lasting stability.
- Have no restrictions with regards to food.
- Prevent jawbone deterioration and further tooth loss.
- Have lower overall maintenance compared to dentures (no adhesives or adjustments).
- Don’t require that adjacent teeth be altered for support.
If you’re looking for a but don’t want the hassle of full or partial dentures, ask our Ann Arbor dental implant dentists about this transformative option.
Dental Implant Care
Oral hygiene is just as important for dental implants as it is for your natural teeth. You should continue to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to avoid plaque buildup.
Be sure to stay on top of regular brushing and flossing as plaque can accumulate around your implants which can result in other oral complications. A routine teeth cleaning every 6 months is also recommended so that our dentists can monitor your implants as well as your entire mouth.
Schedule an Appointment
Interested in dental implants as a method to restore your smile?Our dental implant dentists in Ann Arbor, MI, are available to sit down with you and answer any questions you may have. Contact us online to request an appointment or call Excel Dental today at (734) 929-9999.
This blog post has been updated.