What Can I Expect When Getting Dental Implants?

If you have been suffering from tooth loss, rest assured that you are not alone. In the United States alone, an estimated 178 million adults are missing at least one permanent tooth. Due to the magnitude of this problem for many, tooth replacement is a critical issue for many Rogers, AR men and women today. Not long ago, traditional bridges and dentures were the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. But thanks to technological advancements in recent years, dental implants have now become the preferred solution for overcoming the loss of teeth.

If the loss of one or more teeth has impacted your smile, health, or lifestyle, dental implants could be just the answer you need for a new you. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Brett Cotham and the team at All About Smiles in Rogers, AR offer their patients real solutions to mending issues that stem from missing teeth with personalized implant dentistry services. Whether you have been researching dental implants as a tooth replacement option or are learning about this popular solution, we hope that the following information provides some insight into what you can expect from the dental implants process and why many individuals choose them.

Dental implants can help in many ways

Men and women who are considering dental implants find it challenging to ignore the benefits of dental implants. Here are a few:

• Replace front or back teeth

• Replace any quantity of missing teeth

• Replace severely damaged or unsalvageable teeth

• Restore normal biting and chewing capacities

• Wave any dietary limitations or restrictions

• Offer long-term value for tooth replacement

• Look, function, and feel like real teeth

• Integrate with the jaw for secure support

• Help preserve jawbone structure and oral health

• Offer comfort and do not irritate the gums

• Maintained the same way as natural teeth

Dental implants offer flexibility

Dental implants are a fantastic choice for their ability to replace any amount of teeth that have been lost. Implant dentistry offers patients options when it comes to tooth replacement. Whether you need to replace a single missing tooth, several missing teeth, or even an entire missing arch, dental implants can assist.

Single-Tooth Replacement

Dental implants can replace individually missing teeth in the front or back of the mouth. Single dental implants include a titanium post or screw that anchors into the jawbone and a natural-looking replacement tooth in the form of a custom dental crown.

Multiple-Tooth Replacement

When several teeth are missing within a specific area of the mouth, an implant bridge may be an ideal way to restore the smile. Implant-retained bridges work on the same principle as traditional bridges — except instead of attaching to neighboring teeth for support, these restorations are affixed to dental implants placed within the jaw.

Whole-Arch Replacement

Patients who have total-arch tooth loss tend to be good candidates for tooth replacement with dental implants. Even if a full arch of teeth is lost, it does not mean that an implant has to be placed at each missing tooth site. Full-arch dental implant solutions can anchor a set of replacement teeth to as little as four implants placed at strategic angles in the upper or lower arches.

Understand the timing of the process

Several factors determine the length of time needed for an implant procedure. Understanding this process will help you plan for your treatment and necessary recovery time. Dr. Cotham will review your specific scenario and formulate a treatment plan based on your needs. During your consultation, he will assess the following:

• The current state of your dental health

• The number of teeth to be treated

• Which specific teeth are being replaced

• Whether or not a tooth extraction is required before implant placement

Get to Know the Dental Implant Process

There are three key phases to the dental implant process:

1. Developing a plan

During the planning phase of the implant dentistry process, the patient's candidacy for dental implants is evaluated to determine if this is the ideal treatment option to meet individual needs. Advanced digital images of the mouth and jaw are taken so that treatment needs and requirements can be analyzed. Dental implants do rely on a certain level of bone in the jaw for stability and long-term results. If bone loss has occurred, Dr. Cotham may recommend a bone grafting procedure first to create the proper foundation for implant support. The extraction of unsalvageable teeth will also need to occur before the placement of dental implants.

2. Placing the implants

Dental implants are surgically placed within the jawbone, which is one distinct feature that makes them so unique. To complete the dental implant process, Dr. Cotham utilizes both advanced cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and guided surgery techniques to ensure implant placement is accurate and effective. The implants are then given time to fuse with the jaw through a process known as osseointegration.

3. Attaching the implant

Once the implants are ready to be adhered, Dr. Cotham will schedule a follow-up appointment in our Rogers, AR office to complete the implant process. Next, impressions of the implant site will be taken to ensure proper healing and placement. Once complete, the custom-made natural-looking replacement teeth are (crown, bridge, or denture restorations) attached to the implant screw(s), completing the implant dentistry procedure.

Post-surgery recovery

It is normal to have some short-term bruising and swelling in the gums and soft tissues of the lower face. Dr. Cotham will discuss with you expectations and what should be reported to our office. Prescription for pain relievers and antibiotics are sometimes prescribed on a case by case basis. However, any residual discomfort felt is treatable with ordinary painkillers such as ibuprofen or those prescribed by Dr. Cotham.

Are you ready to learn more about dental implants?

Dental implants are an amazing replacement option for many men and women suffering from tooth loss or facing the possibility of tooth extractions. Implant dentistry can address any amount of missing teeth and offers many life-changing benefits to those who choose this procedure. Dr. Cotham is happy to provide the advantages of dental implants for his patients. If you need tooth replacement options, you can rely on and are considering dental implants, then contact All About Smiles in Rogers, AR and schedule a treatment consultation with Dr. Brett Cotham. Implants may be the solution you have been hunting for to overcome teeth loss.