Dental Implants
Have you recently lost one or more teeth? If so, our Ann Arbor, MI, dentists may recommend dental implants to restore the full function and appearance of your smile. A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root that’s made out of a titanium alloy.
Unlike dentures, you’ll never have to worry about your dental implant slipping while you try to enjoy a steak or talk with friends. Instead, dental implants are embedded in the jawbone to provide the ultimate stability while you eat, talk, and smile.
Here’s what you need to know about dental implants.
Dental Implant Process
During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the gums in order to place the dental implant in your jaw.
Once the implant is placed in the jaw, it’ll fuse to the bone over several months during a process called osseointegration.
When osseointegration is complete, one of our dentists will place an abutment and permanent dental crown over top. Together, the implant, abutment, and crown give you the look and function of a natural tooth.
Also, keep in mind that we may use dental implants to replace multiple teeth with a fixed bridge or removable dentures. The type of procedure we recommend will depend on your unique circumstances.
Candidates for Dental Implants
To be a candidate for dental implants, you’ll need to have sufficient bone density in your jaw. Otherwise, there won’t be enough bone tissue to support your new dental implants.
If you have low bone density in your jaw, our dentists may recommend that you get a bone graft. That way, your dental implants will have enough support.
The best are non-smokers. This is because smoking inhibits your body’s natural healing ability after dental implant surgery. But keep in mind that each patient is different.
To determine if you’re a candidate for dental implant surgery, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.
Aftercare
Your dental implants may last a lifetime as long as you continue to at home. This means brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes at a time. You should also floss once a day to remove any plaque or food particles that could be hiding between teeth.
Likewise, continue seeing our dentists for routine preventive care. Dental implants tend to last longer in healthy mouths.
Request an Appointment With Us
Ready to learn if you’re a candidate for dental implants? If so, schedule an appointment with one of our dental implant dentists in Ann Arbor, MI. They’d be more than happy to help you explore your tooth replacement options so you can smile with confidence.
To schedule an appointment with us, please call Excel Dental at (734) 929-9999. You may also fill out our online contact form.