What Are Dental Implants?
You may have heard about dental implants and how they are a great way to restore your smile. After all, they are long-lasting and match the look and function of a natural tooth. According to the Cleveland Clinic, more than 3 million implants are placed in the United States annually. But how do they work? Dental implants are made of three parts: a titanium post, abutment, and crown.
The titanium post is screw-like, and it can be inserted into your jawbone in the same place you’ve lost a tooth. On top of the post, the abutment is screwed into place. The abutment is also typically made of titanium but might be made of surgical stainless steel, gold, or zirconia. Titanium is generally more popular because it’s both strong and biocompatible. Depending on your dentist’s process, the crown is attached to the abutment with either dental cement or a screw. Crowns might be made of a handful of materials, like porcelain-fused-to-metal, ceramic, or zirconia.
The screw allows the implant to take solid hold in your oral cavity, keeping it stable and durable. The abutment makes it easier to connect your new crown to the post. The crown is generally the part you’ll see, and your permanent crown will be carefully crafted to look and act like a natural tooth.
Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants
If you’re considering getting dental implants, learning about their advantages over other solutions may be helpful. The following are a few benefits patients experience with their dental implants:
- Longevity and durability compared to dentures or bridges
- Improved speech, chewing ability, and overall oral health
- Natural appearance and seamless integration with existing teeth
- Increased confidence
- Prevents bone loss better than other solutions, especially bridges
- Supports surrounding teeth, keeping them healthy and stable
- Prevent oral health conditions by keeping bacteria out of the tooth socket
- Preserve natural face contours
You should never feel embarrassed about getting the dental care you need. At Skale Dental Professionals, we will never judge you for getting dental implants or any other treatment. If you want our guidance and support, you’re welcome to contact us for more information.
What To Expect From a Dental Implant Consultation
Before you get your dental implant, you’ll need to work with a qualified dental provider to determine whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure. This means you’ll generally need to have a consultation with a dentist, including a complete dental exam with X-rays or 3D image scans, a discussion of your medical and dental history, and a walk-through about the timeline and commitments needed from you to make the process successful.
Your treatment plan will be made just for you, and your provider must carefully ensure you’re a good fit. Therefore, come into your consultation prepared to discuss any medications, allergies, illnesses, surgical history, and other relevant information. Being honest with your dentist makes you much more likely to get a safe and successful outcome. If you are not a good fit for the procedure, you and your dentist can always discuss whether other options would be better.
What to Expect During the Implant Process
Once the planning process has finished, you can finally come in for your implant. Before your dentist starts work, you’ll be given anesthesia or sedation. Generally, your provider will use local anesthesia, but sedation and general anesthesia may also be available. Tell your dentist if you’re particularly anxious or prefer to be unconscious during the procedure.
You’ll likely be in outpatient care, and the process will take a couple of appointments. The dentist will remove any parts of the damaged or missing tooth if necessary. Then, they’ll prepare the jawbone, taking care of any grafting at this stage if the implant will need additional support. After thorough cleaning and making the necessary incision, your dentist will place the dental implant, the abutment, and the crown. Usually, this crown is a temporary placeholder for the permanent replacement. Sometimes, your dentist may have you heal for a while before placing the abutment and the crown.
After healing, you’ll be able to get your permanent crown. The healing process can take several months, so it’s essential to see your dental providers regularly. This will allow your dentist to monitor how your implant is healing.
Why Choose Skale Dental Professionals for Your Dental Implants?
At Skale Dental Professionals, we take pride in providing high-quality dental implants with precision and care. With over 50 years of combined experience, our family-owned practice offers a welcoming, patient-centered approach to ensure you feel comfortable throughout your treatment. We utilize advanced technology and techniques to create durable, natural-looking implants that seamlessly blend with your smile.
If you’re considering dental implants, our skilled team is here to guide you every step of the way. From your initial consultation to your final restoration, we prioritize your comfort and long-term oral health. Retirement is a great time to invest in dental implants because you still have decades of life left to enjoy your restored smile and improved quality of life! Regain the confidence to smile, eat, and speak without worry. Call us at (872) 335-4464 or complete our contact form to schedule your consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Implants
Leaving a gap from a missing tooth can lead to several problems:
- Adjacent teeth shift and tilt into the empty space
- Opposite teeth may super-erupt
- Increased risk of decay and gum disease
- Progressive bone loss in the jaw
- Changes in bite alignment and possible TMJ problems
- Altered facial appearance and premature aging
- Difficulty speaking or eating certain foods
Early implant placement helps prevent these complications and preserves your oral health.
In certain cases, we offer same-day implant procedures where the tooth is extracted, the implant placed, and a temporary crown attached all in one visit. This approach, sometimes called “immediate loading,” depends on having sufficient bone density and implant stability. Even with same-day procedures, the final restoration is typically placed after complete healing (3-6 months) to ensure long-term success.
Initial healing after implant surgery typically takes 7-10 days for soft tissue. The complete osseointegration process (when implants fully fuse with bone) takes 3-6 months. Many patients receive temporary teeth during this healing period so they’re never without teeth. Most people return to work and normal activities within 1-3 days following surgery, with minor dietary modifications during healing.
Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss daily using implant-specific floss or floss threaders
- Use antimicrobial mouth rinse as recommended
- Schedule regular professional cleanings and check-ups
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Wear a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth
With proper care, dental implants have exceptional longevity:
- The implant posts themselves can last a lifetime
- The crowns or other attached restorations may need replacement after 10-15 years due to normal wear
Factors affecting longevity include oral hygiene practices, smoking, certain medical conditions, and regular dental check-ups. Implants have a documented long-term success rate of over 95%.
No. Actually placing a dental implant is largely pain free during and after the procedure. It’s much easier than having a tooth removed. Most patients report that implant surgery involves less discomfort than they expected. We use local anesthesia during the procedure, and sedation options are available for anxious patients. After surgery, some mild soreness and swelling are normal but typically managed effectively with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients return to work and normal activities within a day.
Most adults with good general and oral health can be candidates for implants. Ideal candidates have:
- Healthy gum tissue free of periodontal disease
- Adequate bone density to support implants (or can undergo bone grafting)
- Good overall health without conditions that might affect bone healing
- Non-smokers or those willing to stop smoking during the process
During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your specific situation, including your medical history, jawbone density, and tooth replacement needs.
Dental implants offer several advantages over other tooth replacement options:
- Preserve jawbone integrity and prevent bone loss
- Don’t require altering adjacent healthy teeth (unlike bridges)
- Look and function like natural teeth
- Allow normal eating and speaking
- Exceptional durability (can last a lifetime with proper care)
- High success rate (95-98% for most patients)
- Prevent shifting of remaining teeth and changes to facial structure