Dental implants are artificial tooth roots placed in your jawbone to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason and who prefer not to wear dentures.If you're considering dental implants, you're on the path to achieving a permanent, natural-looking solution for missing teeth. At Clackamas Implant & Oral Surgery Center we're committed to providing in-depth information about dental implants. If you come in and see us, we can let you know if you are a dental implant candidate.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are modern-day marvels in the field of restorative dentistry. They are designed to replace missing teeth and restore both the aesthetics and functionality of your smile. A dental implant is essentially a small titanium post that serves as an artificial tooth root. This post is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once this integration is complete, the implant provides a sturdy foundation for attaching a replacement tooth, known as a dental crown.
Dental implants come with several significant advantages:
| • | Durability: Implants are built to last, often for a lifetime with proper care. |
| • | Natural Appearance: The crown attached to the implant is custom-made to match your existing teeth, resulting in a seamless, natural look. |
| • | Functionality: Dental implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. |
| • | Preservation of Bone Health: Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining your facial structure. |
| • | No Impact on Adjacent Teeth: Unlike some other tooth replacement options, dental implants do not rely on adjacent teeth for support, preserving the integrity of your natural teeth. |
Who Can Benefit from Dental Implant Placement?
Dental implants are a versatile solution for a wide range of patients. You may benefit from dental implant placement if you:
| • | Are Missing Teeth: Whether you have a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, or even an entire arch of missing teeth, dental implants can provide an effective replacement. |
| • | Desire a Permanent Solution: Dental implants are designed to be a permanent part of your smile. If you're looking for a long-term solution that doesn't require frequent replacements, implants are an excellent choice. |
| • | Value Aesthetics: If a natural appearance is important to you, dental implants are unmatched in their ability to mimic the look and feel of real teeth. |
| • | Want to Preserve Oral Health: Dental implants help preserve the health of your jawbone and surrounding teeth, preventing the sunken appearance that can occur with tooth loss. |
| • | Seek Enhanced Functionality: Dental implants allow you to chew and speak with ease, giving you full functionality. |
| • | Prefer a Hassle-Free Solution: Unlike removable dentures, dental implants stay in place and do not require adhesives or special cleaning procedures. |
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
The process of getting dental implants involves the following steps:
| • | Initial Consultation: Your journey begins with a consultation with our dentist. During this appointment, your oral health is assessed, and a customized treatment plan is developed. If you do not have enough sufficient jawbone, we may first recommend a bone grafting procedure, prior to implant placement. |
| • | Implant Placement: A small titanium post, the dental implant, is surgically placed into your jawbone. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and the implant is carefully positioned to ensure stability and osseointegration. |
| • | Healing and Osseointegration: Over the following months, the implant fuses with the jawbone, becoming a stable foundation for your new tooth. |
| • | Abutment Placement: Once osseointegration is complete, an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment serves as a connector between the implant and the dental crown. |
| • | Crown Placement: The final step involves attaching a custom-made dental crown to the abutment. This crown is designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, providing a natural look. |
How to Care For Your Dental Implants
Proper care is essential to ensure the longevity and success of your dental implants. Here are some tips for maintaining your dental implants:
| • | Oral Hygiene: The foundation of dental implant care is maintaining excellent oral hygiene. You should continue to brush and floss your teeth regularly, just as you would with your natural teeth. Pay particular attention to the implant crown and the surrounding gum tissue. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean the area gently. |
| • | Regular Dental Check-ups: Scheduling routine dental check-ups and cleanings is crucial to monitor the health of your dental implants. Your dentist will assess the condition of the implants, check for any signs of potential issues, and provide professional cleanings. |
| • | Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: While dental implants are incredibly durable, they are not indestructible. It's essential to be cautious about chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or other non-food items. Chewing on such objects can put excessive pressure on the implant crown, potentially causing damage or even fractures. |
| • | Quit Smoking: Smoking has been linked to various oral health issues, including a higher risk of implant failure. If you smoke, quitting can significantly improve the long-term success of your dental implants. Smoking can reduce blood flow to the gums and impede the body's ability to heal after implant surgery. |
A New and Natural Smile Is Just Phone Call Away!
If you're ready to transform your smile with dental implants, we're here to make it happen. At Clackamas Implant & Oral Surgery Center, we're committed to providing you with a new and natural smile that you'll be proud to show off.
Our dental team is ready to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Embarking on the journey to a rejuvenated smile is as simple as picking up the phone. When you reach out to us at (503) 652-8080, you'll find a friendly and knowledgeable team eager to assist you.
We understand that making decisions about your oral health can be a significant step, and we're here to make the process as approachable as possible. We'll listen to your concerns, address any questions you may have, and work with you to create a personalized plan that suits your needs and goals.
