Dental Implants Jerome

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental bridges and traditional dentures only replace the crowns of teeth, but dental implants go beyond what is visible to restore the roots as well. Superior in their ability to last decades, restore bite function, and deliver supreme stability, dental implants are titanium posts that mimic the roots of teeth so that a firm, complete smile can be achieved. They can support crowns, bridges, and dentures, making them the most versatile form of tooth replacement available.

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

Each patient who receives dental implants can expect to go through the same four-step process that includes a scheduled consultation, dental implant surgery, osseointegration and abutment placement, and delivery of your final restoration. While every treatment plan is different, this multi-step process ensures optimal success for your new smile.

• Initial Consultation – You will meet with Dr. Burton to go over your medical history and discuss the type of restoration you will need. After evaluating your smile, overall health, and jawbone density, she will decide if you need additional treatments before moving forward with the surgical procedure.
• Dental Implant Surgery – Dr. Burton will provide local anesthesia to numb your mouth before placing each implant into its appropriate place. If All-on-4 is what is recommended, she can also perform this procedure, as it only requires the placement of four dental implant posts that are strategically placed along the jawbone for maximum support.
• Osseointegration/Abutment – Once your surgery is complete, you will return home to allow osseointegration to occur. Your dental implants must fuse completely with your jawbone to ensure optimal stability. After this is complete, which can take 4-6 months, you will return to have your abutments added. These are small metal attachments that hold your restoration in place.
• Delivery of Final Restoration – The last step in the dental implant process is to receive your final restoration. During the earlier stages of treatment, an impression of your smile will be taken so that a custom crown, bridge, or denture can be crafted. When ready, we will secure it to the tops of your implant posts so that it creates a complete, beautiful smile.

Benefits of Dental Implants

The choice to move forward with dental implant placement is one you will not regret, especially once you learn of their many unique benefits, some of which include:

• Jawbone Stimulation – The placement of your dental implants allows them to deliver continuous stimulation to the jawbone so that facial sagging and further bone loss do not occur.
• Easy Maintenance – Keeping your dental implants clean requires only a soft-bristled toothbrush, nonabrasive toothpaste, dental floss, and antimicrobial mouthwash.
• Cost-Effective – The upfront cost of dental implants is higher than traditional dentures or dental bridges, but the long-term savings you can expect are worth the investment. You don’t need to buy denture adhesive to hold your teeth in place, and you’re unlikely to need replacements over time.
• Eating the Foods You Love – The stability of your dental implants allows you to eat all your favorite foods because of your restored bite. You don’t have to worry about your teeth sliding around when chewing.
• Natural Appearance – Dental implants are designed to look just like your natural teeth, so no one will ever know they are artificial.