Dental Implants

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Scott Kupetz DMD

Dental implants are an excellent way to replace lost teeth whether it is due to decay, disease, or injury. Implants replace the tooth root and are what provides a strong foundation for either fixed or removable replacement teeth which can be customized to match your natural teeth. Dental implants have an abundance of advantages such as improved appearance, speech, comfort, oral hygiene, and durability. Studies have shown dental implants have a 98% success rate which makes them a highly safe and reliable option for tooth replacement. Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care needing little to no touch-ups over time.

The process can be an invasive procedure and requires planning and customization for each patient. Patients who do undergo this procedure must have enough bone for the implant to bind to and healthy gums to decrease the risk of infection post-op. Good oral hygiene is also important before and after the procedure to help further reduce the risk of infection. The healing process can take six to eight weeks. During the healing period, it is important to follow all instructions given to you to decrease the risk of rejection and complications. Once the jawbone has healed, and the implants have bonded to it, your dentist can then begin creating a mold of your new tooth which will match the shade and shape of your bite.

As dental technology has progressed, more implant options are available such as mini implants (MDIs) which are less invasive and take less time to heal. These implants make dental implant surgery possible for patients who either do not have enough bone for a standard implant to bind and those who cannot undergo the standard implant procedure due to other health issues. They are also a more affordable option than conventional implants.

These mini implants are made of a titanium alloy which acts as the root of your tooth and is still able to stabilize dentures. The head of the implant serves as the retaining fixture with a rubber O-ring which snaps into the dentures while still maintaining micro-flexibility to provide steadiness and comfort. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, dentures can be put on the same day the implants are placed. The same day you get a mini implant procedure you can talk, eat, and laugh bigger and better than ever before! Mini implants have provided thousands of people with a better quality of life, and they can give you those same benefits.

Consult your dentist before deciding between a standard or mini implant to figure out which option will be right for you. We can help answer any questions or concerns and give you all the necessary information to make an educated decision. One factor in your decision-making process that you may want to consider is your insurance coverage. It is important to consult your insurance company before booking procedure. If dental implants aren’t right for you, we can recommend a variety of other dental procedures which may be suitable.