Dental Implants

If you’re looking for a long-lasting and natural-looking solution to replace missing teeth, dental implants may be the answer you’ve been searching for. Dental implants are an ideal treatment option for replacing one or more missing teeth. They are designed to act like a tooth root replacement.  Dental implants are placed in the bone to serve as an anchoring device that crowns, bridges, and other teeth replacement options can attach to securely.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer a host of benefits that make them a popular choice for replacing missing teeth. One significant advantage is their natural appearance. Crafted to mimic the look and feel of your natural teeth, dental implants seamlessly blend with your smile, providing a result that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

In addition to their cosmetic appeal, dental implants offer exceptional durability and stability. The implant itself is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, creating a sturdy foundation for the replacement tooth. This secure integration allows for comfortable chewing and speaking, giving you the confidence to enjoy your favorite Southern delicacies and engage in vibrant conversations.

Preserving and protecting your oral health is another remarkable benefit of dental implants. Unlike traditional bridges or dentures, dental implants do not rely on the support of adjacent teeth. This means that your healthy tooth structure remains intact, promoting long-term oral health and maintaining the integrity of your smile.

Who Needs Dental Implants?

Dental implants are suitable for most individuals, as long as there is sufficient mature bone density to support the implant. In fact, once implants have healed in the bone, the implant helps retain bone levels and prevent further atrophy and defects that can happen with tooth loss.  Many patients are surprised by how comfortable the process of implant placement can be. If you’re currently wearing dentures, partials or are dissatisfied with other tooth replacement options, dental implants may be the ideal choice for you. Our team at Gower Family Dentistry will assess your specific dental needs and determine if dental implants are the right solution to restore your smile.

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?

Deciding if dental implants are the right choice for you requires a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health and individual circumstances. During your consultation at Gower Family Dentistry, we will conduct a thorough examination, review your dental history, and discuss your goals and expectations. Together, we will determine if dental implants are the best fit for your unique needs.

What Should I Expect?

The process of receiving dental implants is typically completed in multiple stages. First, a thorough examination and planning phase will take place. This may involve dental imaging, such as X-rays or CT scans, to evaluate your bone levels. If you are a good candidate for implants, the restorative portion of your plan will be discussed. This allows the patient to know what the final result of treatment will be and to make sure any questions are answered prior to starting treatment. Next, the patient will be referred to a trusted periodontist where the patient will be consulted on treatment and what exact implant placement procedure will be performed. Dr. Gower and the specialist will be your team for achieving a seamless treatment process and coordinated final result. 

While every patient and their treatment are unique, a typical implant placement process involves surgically inserting the titanium implant into the bone under local anesthesia. Over a few months, the implant will fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration, providing a stable foundation for the replacement tooth. Once the healing period is complete, the abutment, a connector piece, will be attached to the implant. This will serve as the anchor for the final restoration. To complete the treatment, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture, designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, will be securely placed onto the abutment, completing your new smile.

Maintaining A Dental Implant

Caring for your dental implant is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing, along with routine dental check-ups and cleanings, are essential for maintaining the health and longevity of your implant.

By following proper oral hygiene practices and maintaining regular dental visits, you can ensure the success and longevity of your dental implant. With proper care, your implant can last a lifetime, allowing you to enjoy all the joys of Southern cuisine and conversation with confidence.

Schedule an Appointment

If you would like more information on dental implants, we invite you to schedule an appointment at Gower Family Dentistry and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.