Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots made of titanium that are fused to your jawbone. Each implant features a metal attachment, known as an abutment, that connects to a prosthetic tooth replacement. 

Dental implants are unlike traditional dentures in that they don’t slide around or cause you to slur your speech. They also prevent bone deterioration and restore your smile to its near original, healthy condition.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants offer a wide variety of benefits over traditional tooth replacement options like dentures and bridges, including:

• Improved appearance
• Improved speech
• Easier eating
• Improved comfort

Dental implants are also incredibly convenient. Since they’re fused to your jawbone, you don’t have to deal with messy or expensive dental adhesives. 

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

If you’re healthy enough to undergo routine dental procedures such as an extraction or oral surgery, you’re probably a good candidate for dental implants. 

However, if you smoke cigarettes or have a chronic health condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, make sure to share this information with your provider. These issues won’t necessarily disqualify you from treatment, but they might increase your risk of complications. 

What is the process of receiving dental implants?

Getting dental implants typically takes between 6-12 months and a series of appointments. Though this may seem like a lot of time and effort, it’s important to remember that with proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. 

At your first appointment, your Ghobadi Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery provider performs an oral exam, reviews your medical history, and discusses your goals for treatment. After gathering this information, your provider develops an individualized treatment plan. 

If your gums and jaw are healthy, you can move forward with treatment. First, your provider administers a local anesthetic, numbing your gums. After the anesthesia sets in, your provider places your dental implants in the sockets of your missing teeth. 

As your jawbone heals, bone grows around the implants, holding them in place. This process typically takes between 6-12 weeks. 

Once your implants fuse to your jaw, you return for your second appointment. At your second appointment, your Ghobadi Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery provider connects a metal piece, or abutment, to each implant. 

Next, your dentist takes impressions of your remaining permanent teeth and creates a model of your bite. Your dentist sends these molds to a laboratory that manufactures your prosthetic teeth.

A week or two later, you return for your third and final appointment. At this appointment, your dentist attaches your prosthetic teeth to your implants, restoring your smile to its near-original form and function.  

Don’t let missing teeth negatively impact your confidence or self-esteem. Request your implant dentistry appointment today by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool.