Dental Implants Sterling Heights
An Excellent New Standard of Tooth Replacement
Dental implants are a unique form of tooth replacement since they’re able to replace teeth in terms of look, feel, and functionality. This is all thanks to biocompatible implant posts that can be placed directly into the jaw to serve as replacement tooth roots. Though the process for receiving implants is longer and more complex, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better way of rebuilding your smile and restoring your quality of life. If you’re ready to do something about your tooth loss, contact our office to learn more about dental implants in Sterling Heights.
Why Choose Dynamic Dental of Sterling Heights for Dental Implants?
- Personalized Treatment Plans for All Patients
- Insurance Accepted & Financing Options
- All-on-4 Dental Implants Available
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants refer to titanium posts that are surgically placed beneath the gumline, into the upper or lower jawbone. These posts are capable of fusing with bone tissue in order to form a permanent bond that replaces the roots of missing teeth. From there, custom-made restorations can be attached on top; these are natural-looking and enhance a patient’s oral functionality. Better yet, dental implants are strong and durable and will last many years, potentially even a lifetime.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
Dental implants are placed through a unique, multi-step surgical process that allows them to provide a wide range of benefits that traditional crowns, bridges, and dentures cannot match. At Dynamic Dental of Sterling Heights, our experienced and compassionate dental team is trained and equipped to carry out the entire placement process at our office. Here’s a quick look at how dental implants are placed and how our staff will help you stay comfortable.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
The process starts with a consultation at our office so Dr. Tamara can take detailed X-rays and impressions (molds) of your jaw and teeth to determine the structure of the bones and gum tissue. These measurements will give her the data she needs to determine the best way to replace your lost teeth. Keep in mind that patients must have sufficient jawbone density to accommodate implants, which means traditional restorations may be better options for some people.
Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implant placement surgery is fairly straightforward, and it usually takes 1-2 hours per implant. The process always begins with the patient receiving an appropriate anesthetic to ensure their comfort. Once the area is numb, Dr. Tamara will surgically place the implants into the bone structure at precise angles and locations so they can create a sturdy hold. We’ll be sure to provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help you enjoy a smooth healing process.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment
The implants will need several months to heal and fuse with the jawbone before we can attach abutment pieces, which will hold the future restoration(s) in place. Abutments are placed through a minor surgical procedure, during which your mouth will be measured for its final restorations.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restoration(s)
Your mouth will need several weeks to heal after receiving abutment pieces. Once this is done, Dr. Tamara will attach your customized crown, bridge, or denture to your implant or implants. Securing your restoration to your gums in this manner allows the device to deliver excellent stability and comfort so you can chew easily, speak clearly, and smile confidently.
We will be sure to provide you with detailed aftercare instructions when your treatment is completed so you can stay comfortable while adjusting to your new teeth. Eventually, your artificial teeth should feel almost exactly like your natural ones, and you can rest assured that casual observers will not be able to tell the difference. Good oral hygiene and eating habits, alongside regular dental visits, will help extend the life of your new implant.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants don’t just fill the gaps in your smile; they also offer several life-changing benefits that other tooth replacement solutions can’t match. This includes:
- Dental implants have the potential to last for several decades or even a lifetime with optimal care.
- They don’t require any specialized cleaning materials or methods, unlike traditional options such as dentures.
- No matter the extent of your tooth loss, dental implants can help; they can replace one, two, or all of your missing teeth.
- Dental implants can prevent the bone loss that occurs following tooth loss since they stimulate the jawbone in the same way that your natural tooth roots do.
Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants
One of the many reasons that dental implants are so popular is that they can last for 30+ years. The key? Proper care and maintenance. If you’re not sure what that entails, don’t worry – our team at Dynamic Dental can share both what you should and what you should not do throughout the process. If you want to learn more on the topic in the meantime, however, you can also read on.
Make Oral Hygiene a Priority
Since dental implants cannot decay, many patients assume that they no longer need to commit to a solid oral hygiene regimen. That’s not the case, especially since peri-implantitis (a form of gum disease) is one of the leading causes of dental implant failure. All that to say, even if you don’t have any of your natural teeth left, you need to prioritize healthy habits, like rinsing with mouthwash for 30-60 seconds daily.
Eat a Healthy Diet
In short, a diet that’s filled with sugary foods and beverages can quickly wreak havoc on your oral and overall health. Plus, raw carrots, peanut brittle, and other extremely crunchy snacks can cause your restoration to chip, crack, or completely come off. That’s why it’s so important to fill your plate with nutrient-dense foods that have a softer consistency, like cooked sweet potatoes and plain yogurt.
Break Bad Habits
Of course, dental implant care in Sterling Heights also includes what you should NOT do. To start, you shouldn’t use tobacco products since smoking has been linked to both oral cancer and an increased risk of dental implant failure. We also advise against doing anything that could jeopardize the condition of your restoration, like chewing on ice cubes or biting your fingernails.
Protect Your Dental Implants
Remember, like your natural teeth, your dental implants can break with enough force. So, it’s important to wear a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep. Additionally, you should wear a mouthguard when you’re active. If you don’t have one already, let us know! We can have a custom one made to ensure it protects your smile while also fitting comfortably.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Finally, you should come to our office every six months for a checkup and cleaning. These visits are important for the longevity of your dental implants. To begin, they allow us to screen for oral cancer, gum disease, and warning signs of failure. They also ensure that plaque and tartar are removed, which helps keep your gums infection-free, your breath fresh, and any remaining teeth you have healthy.