Transform Your Smile with Dental Implants

Dental implants are a modern solution for replacing missing teeth. They're artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials, usually titanium, that integrate with your jawbone to provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth.

At our Marion periodontal practice, we specialize in dental implant placement and can help you restore your smile's functionality and appearance with this long-lasting, natural-looking solution.

Dental implants work through a process called osseointegration. The titanium implant post is placed into the jawbone and, over time, fuses with the bone, creating a stable anchor for your new tooth.

Once integrated, an abutment is attached to the implant, serving as a connector between the implant and the final restoration – either a dental crown or bridge. This process allows us to replace missing teeth with durable, natural-looking results that function like your own teeth.

Dental implants offer numerous benefits over traditional dentures or bridges:

• Natural appearance and feel: Implants mimic natural tooth structure, providing a seamless blend with your existing teeth.
• Durability and longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective solution in the long run.
• Preservation of bone structure: By integrating with the jawbone, dental implants help preserve bone structure and prevent further bone loss associated with missing teeth.

Additionally, dental implants promote better oral health by maintaining proper bite alignment, preventing adjacent teeth from shifting, and reducing the risk of gum disease.

A good candidate for dental implants has good overall health and adequate bone density in their jawbone to support the implant. However, other factors can also influence candidacy:

• Non-smokers have a higher success rate with dental implants.
• Patients with certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases, may require additional consideration before undergoing implant surgery.
• Good oral hygiene and a commitment to maintaining proper oral care post-surgery are essential for long-term implant success.

During your initial consultation, we'll assess your individual needs and determine if dental implants are the right choice for you.

Dental implant surgery involves several stages, always performed under local anesthesia with sedation for your comfort:

• Consultation and Planning: We'll discuss your medical history, assess the health of your jawbone, and create a customized treatment plan using advanced diagnostic tools.
• Surgical Placement: During surgery, we'll make a small incision in your gum tissue to expose the underlying bone. A precise hole is then drilled into the jawbone, and the implant is gently screwed into place.
• Osseointegration: Over the next few months, the titanium implant post will fuse with your natural bone through osseointegration.
• Abutment Placement: Once osseointegration is complete, we'll attach an abutment to the implant, serving as a connector between the implant and the final restoration.
• Crowning: Finally, a custom-made dental crown is placed on top of the abutment, completing your new tooth's structure.

After each stage, it's crucial to follow our post-operative care instructions to ensure successful healing and long-term success of your dental implants.

The dental implant surgery itself is typically painless due to local anesthesia and sedation. However, you may experience some discomfort, swelling, or bruising in the days following the procedure as the surgical site heals.

We'll provide you with appropriate medications and aftercare instructions to help manage any post-operative discomfort. Most patients report that the procedure is much less painful than they anticipated, and any discomfort can be effectively managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medications.

The dental implant process typically takes several months to complete due to the healing time required for osseointegration. Here's a rough timeline:

• Consultation and planning: 1-2 weeks
• Surgical placement: 1-3 hours per implant, with local anesthesia and sedation
• Osseointegration (healing time): 3-6 months
• Abutment placement: 1-2 weeks after osseointegration
• Crowning: 1-2 weeks after abutment placement

The exact timeline may vary depending on your individual needs, such as the need for bone grafting or sinus augmentation. Your dentist will provide a more specific timeline during your initial consultation.

While rare, dental implant failure can occur due to various factors:

• Inadequate bone density or quantity: Insufficient bone in the jaw may not provide enough support for the implant.
• Poor oral hygiene: Improper care can lead to infection and implant failure.
• Smoking: Smokers have a higher risk of dental implant failure due to reduced blood flow and increased risk of infection.
• Trauma or excessive biting forces: Impact or abnormal biting forces can cause implants to loosen or fail.

The success rate of dental implants placed by experienced professionals, like those at our Marion practice, is up to 98%. With proper care and regular check-ups, the risk of implant failure is significantly reduced.

Proper care is crucial for ensuring the longevity and success of your dental implants. Here are some tips to help you maintain your new teeth:

• Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss your dental implants as you would your natural teeth, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and low-abrasive toothpaste. Regular professional cleanings with our skilled dental hygienists are also essential to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
• Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular follow-up appointments with us to monitor the health of your implants and surrounding tissues. Early detection of any issues can help prevent costly complications down the line.
• Avoiding Harmful Habits: Refrain from smoking, chewing tobacco, or grinding your teeth, as these habits can damage your dental implants and compromise their long-term success.

By following these guidelines, you'll help ensure that your dental implants remain healthy and functional for a lifetime.

There are no specific age restrictions for dental implant placement. As long as you have good general health, adequate bone density in your jawbone, and maintain good oral hygiene, you may be a candidate for dental implants.

The success of dental implant surgery depends more on the overall health of the patient and their commitment to proper oral care rather than age. In fact, many older adults are ideal candidates for dental implants, as they often have better-controlled chronic medical conditions and understand the importance of maintaining good oral health.