Dental Implants Beverly Hills, MI
Dental implants are a permanent and appealing solution to replace missing or extracted teeth. They are designed to serve the same purpose as the root of a tooth and are better than other alternatives like bridges because no additional teeth need to be altered to place the new tooth.
The implant itself is typically made from titanium and resembles a small screw. The implant is inserted into the jaw bone tissue below the gumline. When the implant heals into the bone, which may take several months, an abutment piece and permanent crown are placed on the top. With a porcelain or ceramic crown, the implanted tooth is indistinguishable from your other teeth.
The main reason why dental implants are the ideal solution is that they are permanent. Once they’re installed, they’re no different than any of your other teeth in terms of function and appearance. They also help keep the bone tissue healthy and strong. When you get dentures or bridges, the bone tissue can degrade over time.
Dental Implant Procedure
The entire implant process is performed over the course of a few months. The first part of the process is to install the implant itself, where a screw is placed into the jaw bone. An incision is made in the gum so that the implant can be inserted. Multiple implants can be placed at once if necessary. After the implants are placed the gums are sutured.
The implant must be allowed about 3-6 months to heal, and during this time the jaw bone will form around the implant in a process called osseointegration. During this healing time you can have temporary crowns installed so that you can eat and speak normally and maintain a proper aesthetic appearance for your smile.
After the implant has healed it is time to place an abutment on the implant. The abutment serves as the base for your new tooth. One this is placed an impression of the abutment is taken and is used to create your permanent restoration. Some offices have an onsite lab to create the crown, but others will have to send it to an outside lab. Once the restoration is completed you can return to the office to attach the restoration permanently. Your smile will look just like it used to, and after a short period of getting used to the implant it will feel just like one of your own teeth.
Single Or Multiple Implants
Our implant dentist in Beverly Hills, MI offers a variety of implant solutions to meet your individual needs. To determine which is right for you, it's best to schedule a consultation with Dr. Keith A. Hudson, DDS.
Replace One Tooth
Dental implants are versatile. If you are only missing one tooth, one implant plus one replacement tooth will do the trick to restore your smile.
Replace Multiple Teeth
When you have more than one tooth missing, dental implants provide an ideal replacement mechanism. You don't even need one implant for every missing tooth. Instead, implant teeth can act as supports for fixed bridgework.
For example, if you are missing three teeth in a row, we can place two dental implants, one on either side of the gap, and a crown in between that has no implant underneath. That way, you won't need to use any of your remaining natural teeth as bridge supports, which could weaken them and make them more susceptible to decay.
Replace All Teeth Permanently
Implants can support an entire arch of upper or lower replacement teeth that are fixed into the mouth and are never removed. Sometimes the new teeth can be supported by as few as 4 implants. It's comparable to the structure of a table, which only needs 4 legs to hold it up. In cases where jawbone density and volume have deteriorated, 5 or 6 implants might be needed to support a row of 10 to 12 teeth. Dental implant replacement teeth protect your jawbone, won't slip, and should last a lifetime.
The Ideal Implant Candidate
While a thorough evaluation by our implant dentist in Beverly Hills, MI is essential to determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for dental implants, the ideal patient will have:
- Good General Health: Candidates should be in overall good health to undergo the surgical procedure required for dental implants. Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders, might complicate the healing process and require special consideration.
- Sufficient Jawbone Density: Adequate jawbone density is crucial for the success of dental implants, as the implant posts need a solid foundation for osseointegration. Patients with significant bone loss may need bone grafting procedures before implants can be placed.
- Healthy Gums: Healthy gums are essential because periodontal disease can affect the stability and success of the implant. Candidates should have good oral hygiene and be free of active gum disease.
- Non-Smokers: Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of implant failure. Non-smokers or those willing to quit smoking during the implant process are better candidates for successful implant integration.
- Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Candidates should be committed to maintaining excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits to ensure the long-term success of their implants. Proper care and maintenance are vital to prevent infections and other complications.
How Long Will Dental Implants Last?
For patients of a certain age, a dental implant has a good chance of lasting for a lifetime. The crown part of the implant can last for up to 15 years before it may need to be replaced. Seeing your Beverly Hills, MI dentist at least two times every year for professional cleanings and becoming meticulous about at-home dental care will ensure that the implant (and your other teeth) stays strong and healthy.
Learn More
If you need to replace one or more teeth, dental implants are the best permanent tooth replacement option. Call Keith A. Hudson DDS, PC in Beverly Hills, MI today at (248) 530-9812 to learn more or schedule an implant consultation!
