Dental implants are helping millions of Americans solve their tooth loss.

If you are missing teeth, you are not alone. The American Dental Association reports that millions of Americans are missing at least one tooth and require prosthetic replacements like a denture or dental bridge. The great news is that there are so many cost-effective dental treatments available that you can replace your teeth with no hassle. Many people opt for a full denture, partial denture, or bridge because they are a quick solution to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. But, if you are looking for something more natural and permanent, dental implants may be your best option.

What is a dental implant?

Dental implants are one of the most popular and sought out treatments today, because they are the tooth replacement option that most closely mimics your natural tooth. An implant resembles an actual tooth with an implant screw anchored into the jaw bone, resembling the root of the tooth. A custom made dental crown is then screwed onto an abutment post and delivers the most natural-looking crown adjacent to your actual teeth.

The implant process is fairly straight forward with your skilled dentist and team at Staley Dental.

1. Consultation: Before any work is done, Dr. Staley will review the implant process, costs, and post-care with you to ensure you fully understand the steps. He will also perform a comprehensive clinical exam and conduct any diagnostic imaging you will need.
2. Dental extraction: When you feel comfortable with your personalized treatment plan, you will need a gentle extraction if your tooth is not already missing.
3. Bone graft: Sometimes a bone graft is needed to help support your jawbone and give stability to the implant screw. Dr. Staley will be able to determine this once he has performed a thorough examination.
4. Implant screw: A biocompatible, titanium implant post is carefully drilled into the bone of the missing tooth socket using guides from your 3-D imaging scans.
5. Implant crown: Once you have allowed your implant site to heal for several months and the bone has grown around the post, you will get a healing cap and finally a new, custom crown that will feel natural and comfortable.
6. Post-care: You will be able to eat soon after you get your new dental crown and then you will be ready to show off your new fully functional and confident smile.

Who needs dental implants?

Essentially anyone who is missing a tooth may be a candidate for dental implants. To be a good candidate though, it is best to have sufficient bone and healthy gums for implant success. Also, people with uncontrolled health conditions may not be a good candidate, so it is best to discuss your medical history with your dentist.

Many people who have poorly fitting dentures and are seeking improved denture comfort would benefit enormously from dental implants. Denture problems cause difficulties with eating and speaking and can cause someone to have self-confidence issues because of the fear their denture is not secure. Dental bridges are sometimes a great solution to missing teeth, but many times can cause more harm to neighboring teeth and difficulty cleaning around them. If one of the dental bridge anchors becomes compromised, this may cause the entire bridge to fail and require another treatment solution. Dental implants are a much more comfortable option and they are pretty much tooth decay free because they are composed of titanium and porcelain!

Ways Dental Implants Make Your Life Better

Dental implants are without doubt one of the most effective ways to replace missing teeth. Just like modernized tooth-colored fillings have replaced the older amalgam-silver fillings, dental implants are quickly becoming one of the most preferred methods for tooth replacement. There are several ways that implants can help improve your quality of life:

Improved cosmetics.

A dental implant provides the highest quality aesthetics, which can be especially important in a highly visible area of your mouth. This is because there are no unsightly gaps created or metal showing through gums, such as the kind that happen with dental crowns sometimes. An implant is custom fabricated to look as natural as your actual teeth and will resemble them to the point that no one can tell you were ever missing a tooth. Implants are designed and manufactured to mimic your natural teeth using the highest quality materials like porcelain and zirconia. Your dental implants before and after photographs will proudly show your cosmetic and functional transformation, a dramatic change you will be proud of.

Improved comfort.

There is no better comfort than a dental implant compared to other restorative prosthetics. A dental implant mimics an actual tooth and is a permanent solution, unlike conventional dentures, partial dentures, and bridges. Instead of worrying about when you need a denture reline or replacement, you will appreciate the comfort of having a solid “tooth” in your mouth again. For people who don’t feel comfortable with removable appliances, a dental implant at Staley Dental will give you the denture comfort you deserve with an implant-retained denture.

Improved peace of mind.

Dental treatment is an investment in your smile, your dental health, and your overall well-being. The truth is even lower-cost options like a denture or bridge will eventually need a replacement. Whether you need a single dental implant, an implant-retained denture, or a dental implant bridge, you are investing in your future. Implants are designed to last forever, where other prosthetics have a lifespan of around 10 years. Long-term, dental implants will save you finances and time in the dental chair.

Improved confidence.

People with dentures know how over time they can become loose and shift when they are not fitting properly. No one wants to wear a denture that is mobile or clicks when they speak or eat. For those who fear wearing their dentures in case they slip, dental implants may be the best option to help secure them. It will ensure greater stability, confidence, and a brighter smile.

Improved eating.

There is no question that people with dental implants find it more comfortable to chew and eat their favorite foods. Dental prosthetics like dentures or bridges will always create challenges. Eating with a denture can be uncomfortable for many because it is a removable appliance. A dental bridge can trap food and plaque debris under the bridge creating gum problems and a risk for tooth decay and bad breath. Dental implants are the most natural-feeling teeth to eat with and will make mealtimes much more enjoyable.

Improved oral health.

The truth is when you are missing teeth it can cause a “domino effect” on the adjacent teeth and bone structure. This is because without a natural tooth, your gums and bone naturally recede and your teeth start to shift into the gaps. A dental implant is the best option to help sustain your jawbone and prevent your gums from deteriorating. An implant is the only way to permanently preserve the bone and maintain a youthful, full appearance.

Why you want an implant today.

There is no comparison to dental implants for people who want to improve their dental health and quality of life. If you are looking for confidence in your smile, dental implants are the best solution. Your dental experts at Staley Dental will guide you through the entire dental implant process from start to finish to guarantee your needs are met. Feel free to call us any time or make an appointment so we can discuss your tooth replacement options with you.