Prevention is the best medicine, and that certainly applies to taking care of your oral health.
Dental Implants
Speak, eat and smile with confidence, just the same as if you had all your natural teeth.
If you have missing or damaged teeth and are looking for a way to renew your smile, find out what dental implants can do for you. This exciting tooth restoration technology enables you to speak, eat and smile with confidence, just the same as if you had all your natural teeth. Contact us at our dental office in Franklin Springs to learn how implant dentistry can improve your life today.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are often the best option for replacing one or more missing teeth. When teeth are extracted, both the crown and root are lost. A tooth implant replaces both of those components — it doesn’t just sit over the gum like a standard denture. The result is a tooth replacement that looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth. It’s possible to get anywhere from a single implant to a full mouth of implants. Tooth implants can also support removable dentures and are considered permanent restorations that should last a lifetime.
The Many Benefits of Dental Implants
- Natural looking smile: Dental implants look like your natural teeth so they restore a natural-looking smile.
- Improved speech: With removable, non-anchored dentures, teeth can slip within the mouth, causing slurred or mumbled speech. Dental implants help you to speak naturally and easily.
- Improved comfort: Dental implants feel like natural teeth so you are not having to accommodate or adapt to dental flippers or dentures.
- Improved function: Dental implants function like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat without pain.
- Durability: Unless you are in a profession like Rocky Balboa or Jaws, dental implants typically last a lifetime when cared for properly.
- Protect healthy bone structure: Empty spaces caused by tooth loss can, over time, lead to deterioration of the jawbone. Since dental implants function like tooth roots, they can prevent this type of deterioration, just as natural teeth do.
- Long-term solution: Dentures must be replaced about every 5-7 years. Dental implants, when cared for properly, can last a lifetime.
- Look Younger: A healthy, confident smile will make you appear younger.
Types of Dental Implants
The standard type of dental implant is called an endosteal implant. This type has a screw-like post made of medical-grade titanium that naturally fuses with the jawbone, forming a strong support for the prosthetic tooth.
A subperiosteal implant uses a frame-like structure for support. This option is often recommended for people who don’t have sufficient depth in their jawbone to support a standard implant post.
Mini implants are another option you might have heard about. This type of tooth implant is narrower than a traditional implant, making it a more affordable dental implant with a less-involved placement procedure than standard dental implants.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-Supported Dentures provide another teeth replacement option that can be a great alternative to conventional dentures. Dr. Chandler will recommend a teeth replacement plan based on your individual needs and preferences.
Removable Implant-Supported Dentures provide replacement for all upper and/or lower teeth. They can be removed for cleaning like conventional dentures, yet are far more secure than unsupported dentures. These dentures can be attached with as few as 4 implants, though are more secure with additional implants. Dr. Chandler will advise you on how many implants are best for your removable implant-supported dentures.
Fixed Implant-Supported Dentures also replace all upper and/or lower teeth. These dentures are permanently anchored to your dental implants. They are used to replace a full set of teeth and can be helpful in preventing bone loss. The strength of dental implants provides an ideal anchor for dentures that will not become loose or slip within your mouth.
Implant-Secured Partial Fixed Dentures are a type of bridge that is anchored to one or more dental implants. A standard bridge is a type of partial denture that replaces one or more teeth. The standard bridge secured to surrounding teeth, which can cause these neighboring teeth to become loose. With implant-secured partial fixed dentures, the implant provides the anchor, so your natural teeth are not compromised.
What Happens When You Get Dental Implants?
The dental implant procedure typically has two main stages. In the first stage, the screw-like implant, which mimics a tooth’s root, is placed into the jaw. You then need about two to six months to heal completely. The implant bonds with the bone, creating a strong anchor for the prosthetic tooth. You can get a temporary replacement tooth or teeth to wear during this healing stage. The final step of the tooth implant procedure is putting your custom restoration in place.
In just two appointments, you can obtain a brand-new, healthy smile!
Do Dental Implants Hurt?
Dental implant surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, so you go home the same day. The procedure shouldn’t hurt at all since an anesthetic will be used to keep you completely comfortable. After the implant procedure, any pain should be minor and manageable with over-the-counter pain meds.
How Do You Take Care of Dental Implants?
Caring for dental implants is just like caring for natural teeth. Brush, floss and avoid smoking to maintain optimal oral health. Maintaining healthy gums is essential. If you're interested in getting dental implants, Dr. Chandler can assess your oral health and discuss your recommended treatment plan in detail.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
There are several factors that Dr. Chandler will consider before recommending dental implants. Be sure to let us know about any medications you are taking during your consultation. Your health and safety are paramount.
Some of these include:
- Adequate bone support to anchor the implant
- Healthy gum tissue
- Sinus and nerve location
- Overall health, including any chronic illnesses
- In some cases, we may recommend advance treatment for your upper or lower jaw to enable you to have the bone support needed for implantation. As always, your treatment plan is created based on your specific needs and goals for your healthy smile.
Talking with Dr. Chandler and allowing him to examine your mouth will give you the information you are seeking to make the best decision for your oral health interests.
Dental Implants in Franklin Springs, GA
If you’ve been considering a dental implant or implants, email or call to schedule a consultation. Chandler Dental Partners provides high-quality implant dentistry to patients from across the counties of Franklin, Hart and Madison.
