Dental Implants
Dental Implants in Trenton, MI
If you’ve lost one or more of your natural teeth, Trenton Dental Care offers dental implants to our Trenton, MI patients. While options like bridges and dentures have been used for years, dental implants offer a modern, durable, and natural-feeling solution. If you’ve been curious about dental implants and whether they might suit you, you’re in the right place.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small, screw-like post usually made of biocompatible titanium, surgically placed into your jawbone. The post acts as an anchor for a replacement tooth called a crown. Osseointegration happens when the implant fuses with your jawbone over time, creating a strong and stable foundation. The dental implant should function, look, and feel like a natural tooth. Osseointegration prevents the bone loss that often occurs with missing teeth.
The Dental Implant Process
The journey to getting a dental implant is a multi-step process that typically spans several months. The dental implant process includes:
- Initial Consultation and Planning: We’ll take X-rays and assess your jawbone and gum health. This will help determine if you have sufficient bone density to support an implant.
- Implant Placement: We will make an incision in your gum to expose the bone. A specialized drill creates a space for the implant, which is then carefully screwed into place. We stitch the gum tissue closed over the implant.
- Healing and Osseointegration: Over the next three to six months, the implant and your jawbone gradually fuse together. We may place a temporary denture or bridge, so you can eat and speak normally.
- Abutment Placement: The small connector piece attaches to the implant post above the gumline. It acts as the link between the implant and your custom-made crown.
- Crafting and Placing the Crown: After taking impressions of your mouth, we send them to a lab where the permanent crown will be custom-crafted. Once the crown is ready, we securely attach it to the abutment, completing your new tooth and restoring your smile.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants reign as one of the most popular choices for tooth replacement. The benefits of dental implants include:
- Looks and Feels Natural: Implants are designed to look and feel like your own teeth.
- Durability and Longevity: Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care.
- Improves Speech and Comfort: Unlike dentures that can slip, implants are fixed in place, allowing you to speak clearly and eat comfortably without worry.
- Preserves Jawbone Health: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when a tooth is lost. This helps maintain your facial shape.
- Protects Adjacent Teeth: Implants don’t require altering or grinding down nearby teeth for support, as a traditional bridge does.
- Easy to Maintain: Brushing and flossing keep dental implants in optimal shape.
What Are the Different Types of Implants?
While the core concept is the same, different types of implants and techniques are available to suit various patient needs. The different types of dental implants include:
- Single Tooth Implant: One implant is placed in the jawbone, and a single crown is attached.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: Instead of using crowns on adjacent natural teeth, this type of bridge is anchored by implants on either side of the gap.
- Implant-Retained Dentures: A few strategically placed implants are fitted with special attachments that connect to the denture, holding it securely in place.
- All-on-4 Dental Implants: This technique uses four implants per arch to support a full set of prosthetic teeth.
Recovery and Aftercare
Properly caring for your dental implants is essential for their long-term success. We recommend the following:
- Maintain Positive Oral Care: Take time to brush twice a day and floss daily.
- Use Special Tools: Use interdental brushes or water flossers to clean hard-to-reach areas around the implant.
- Visit Us Regularly: Schedule routine check-ups and cleanings every six months.
- Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Avoid chewing very hard items like ice or hard candy.
Our Other Dental Treatments
Trenton Dental Care offers preventative, cosmetic, and restorative dental solutions. We do it all, from gum care to dentures. Depend on us to determine the best dental services for your needs.
Why Choose Trenton Dental Care?
Trenton Dental Care is here to help determine if dental implants are perfect for you. This highly effective, reliable solution helps boost confidence and restore your smile. Meet with us to discuss your options. Reach out to us today to schedule a dental implant consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about dental implants, we’re here to help. Below, we’ve compiled our most frequently asked questions.
Dental implants can last decades with proper care. Oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and overall health significantly affect their longevity.
The dental implant procedure is not painful as it is performed under local anesthesia. Some patients may experience mild discomfort after the procedure.
Dental implants should be cared for like natural teeth. Brush and floss daily, use an antibacterial mouthwash, and visit us regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
No, they should feel like normal teeth. You may notice discomfort after the procedure, but it should quickly subside.
The process may take a few months to a year, depending on the need for bone grafting, healing time, and the type of implant.