If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implants can help restore the look and function of your smile. Implants are a sturdy and reliable way to replace missing teeth, making them a favorite solution among our Shelby Township dentists and patients alike.
What Are Dental Implants?
are metal posts that are embedded into your jawbone in the space where you’ve lost a tooth. The post is then topped with a dental crown, creating a seamless appearance that looks just like your natural smile.
The Procedure: What to Expect
The dental implant procedure takes place in phases. First, the implant must be surgically embedded into your jawbone. Once this surgery is complete, it may take a few months for the implant and your jawbone to fuse together. This process is called osseointegration and it’s necessary before the restoration can move forward.
After the procedure, it’s important to take good care of your oral health to promote the healing process. Lifestyle factors like smoking or poor oral hygiene can jeopardize your implant and, in some cases, will cause the implant to fail. Eat soft foods and follow our dentist’s directions to ensure the procedure’s success.
You may receive a temporary tooth restoration during the healing stage. Once the implant has completely healed, you’ll be fitted with your permanent restoration and your smile will be ready to go!
In order to be a candidate for the , your jawbone must be in good condition. As the bone begins to deteriorate once a tooth is lost, our dentists may recommend a bone graft before you can receive your dental implants. We’ll let you know what type of dental restoration is best for you.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
If you have lost multiple teeth either on the top or bottom, our dentists may recommend . Instead of replacing each missing tooth individually, all-on-4 implants are a full set of implants designed to restore your entire upper or lower set of teeth.
The procedure is generally the same as above, but only 4 titanium posts are inserted into your jawbone. These 4 posts serve as the main “anchors” for the permanent denture that is securely placed over top. When the placement is complete, you’ll have a beautiful, seamless smile you can proudly show off to friends and family.
Many patients appreciate the all-on-4 dental implants option as it allows them to replace a whole set of missing teeth with one surgery. The procedure is also more cost-effective than restoring each individual tooth at a time. If you’re interested, our dentists can examine your mouth and assess your candidacy for all-on-4 dental implants.
Call to Discuss Dental Implants for Your Smile
Dental implants are a reliable tooth replacement option for many patients. To request an appointment with our , call the dental office of Jeffrey T. Baker DDS at (586) 992-9222 today.
