Benefits of Dental Implants
There are many benefits to choosing dental implants as a solution for missing teeth. Some of the benefits include:
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- Improved Appearance: Dental implants look and feel just like your natural teeth.
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- Improved Functionality: Dental implants allow you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. You won’t have to worry about rocking dentures or bridges which can be more difficult to clean.
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- Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a worthy long-term investment.
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- Preserved Jawbone: Unlike traditional bridges or dentures that rest on top of the gums, dental implants exercise the surrounding jawbone. If the bone is not exercised in this way, it deteriorates slowly over time. If too much bone deteriorates from this lack of exercise you may no longer be a candidate for implants.
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- Preservation of Tooth Structure: Traditional bridges require drilling on the teeth in front of and behind the tooth being replaced. By replacing the tooth with an implant, no drilling is necessary on these adjacent teeth.
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- Ease of Cleaning: Cleaning and maintaining an implant is very similar to that of a natural tooth. A dental bridge on the other hand is one solid piece of restorative material so floss must be threaded underneath it to keep it clean.
The Dental Implant Procedure
We offer a comprehensive dental implant solution, from the initial consultation to the final restoration. The procedure typically involves several stages, including:
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- Initial Consultation: During the initial consultation, our dental professionals will assess your oral health and determine if dental implants are the right solution for you. A 3-dimensional radiograph is taken to ensure proper bone quantity and quality. We will also discuss your goals and expectations, and develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs.
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- Implant Placement: During the implant placement procedure, the dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone. The implant placement procedure is typically performed with the same local anesthesia used for a simple filling.
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- Healing Period: After the implant placement, a healing period is necessary to allow the bone to integrate with the implant for strength. This typically takes several months, during which time you may be able to have a temporary for cosmetic purposes.
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- Implant Restoration: Once the implants have fully integrated with the jawbone, the final restoration can be fabricated and attached to the implants. These implants are versatile and can be restored with a crown, bridge, or denture, depending on your individual needs.
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- Implant Crown: An implant can be used to replace a single tooth. A single crown is fabricated after the implant heals and is either screwed into the implant post or cemented on similar to a crown for a natural tooth.
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- Implant Bridge: For people missing multiple teeth in a row, a dental bridge can be made by attaching to an implant on either end. This is a more cost-effective way to restore multiple teeth in one area.
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- Snap Denture: Regular dentures can have a tendency to rock and move while chewing or talking. A snap denture engages multiple implants to significantly improve the stability and chewing ability of a denture. The attachments that connect the denture to the implants can be customized to the patient for extra chewing stability or to make it easier to take in and out. A snap denture does not require as much bulky acrylic as a regular denture making it significantly more comfortable.
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- All on X: This implant restoration is also for people replacing an entire upper or lower arch of teeth. It is a very low profile restoration that screws into multiple implants placed across the arch being restored. This restoration screws in and stays in 24/7 and can be made out of denture acrylic or the aesthetic zirconia material used for dental crowns and bridges.
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- Follow-Up Care: After the final restoration, regular follow-up appointments are necessary to ensure proper hygiene and maintenance of your implant restoration.
Why Choose Us for Your Dental Implants?
At Creve Coeur Family & Sedation Dentistry, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of dental care. Our team of dental professionals is highly trained and experienced in the placement and restoration of dental implants, and we use the latest technology and techniques to ensure your procedure is a success.
In addition, we understand that the thought of undergoing a procedure such as dental implants can be stressful for some patients. If necessary we offer a variety of sedation options to ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience. See our Sedation Dentistry tab for more information about our sedation options.
FAQs
1. What are dental implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts placed in the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Once healed, they support crowns, bridges, or dentures. Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth, offering a long-lasting solution for tooth replacement.
2. Are implants better than dentures or bridges?
For many patients, yes. Implants preserve jawbone health, don’t rely on adjacent teeth, and provide stability similar to natural teeth. Unlike removable dentures, implants won’t slip while eating or speaking. They’re a long-term investment in your oral health and confidence.
3. How long does the implant process take?
From placement to restoration, implants typically take several months. After the implant is placed, the bone needs time to heal and fuse with it before attaching the final crown or denture. We’ll guide you through each step with a personalized plan.
4. Are dental implants painful?
Implant surgery is done with local anesthesia, and most patients report minimal discomfort. Recovery may involve mild soreness for a few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Overall, the process is often easier than patients expect.
5. How long do implants last?
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are key to maintaining them. The crown or restoration on top may eventually need replacement, but the implant post itself is designed for long-term durability.
