What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent, natural-looking solution to replace a missing tooth from root to crown. Dental implants are unique because they never need to be removed, function just like natural teeth, and protect your jaw.
Your natural teeth have roots that stimulate your jaw bone, And when you lose your teeth, the jawbone no longer has that stimulation, which can lead to deterioration of the gums. Because the implants fuse directly into your jawbone, they prevent bone loss and are the most stable and long-lasting tooth replacement option available.
Implants provide excellent support and stability so you can enjoy all of your favorite foods without worrying about damaging your smile.
Dental implants can be used to replace any number of missing teeth in your smile and can be used in tandem with other restoration options to create a stronger, healthier smile.
Dental implants are composed of three parts:
- Titanium post: This post is surgically placed into your jaw and is designed to replace your natural tooth’s roots and stimulate your jawbone growth. Through a process called osseointegration, the post becomes fused with your jaw, which makes your implant incredibly stable.
- Porcelain crown: The crown is a prosthetic tooth that appears above the gum line. It is the only part of your implant that is visible, so we ensure it is color-matched to your natural teeth for a flawless, blended appearance.
- Abutment: This piece connects the post to the crown.
Our Dental Implant Solutions
At Oakland Family Dental, we feature several dental implant solutions, such as single-tooth, multi-tooth, and full-arch implant solutions, depending on your needs. Our Waterford dentist can customize a restoration for you that’ll enhance the long-term health and beauty of your smile.
Our Unique Dental Implant Process
Restoring your smile with dental implants in Waterford requires multiple appointments over several months. Your treatment will consist of a few easy steps:
- Initial Consultation: During this first visit, Dr. Sheehan will thoroughly evaluate your teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine if dental implants are right for you. This is also a great time to ask any questions you may have about the procedure.
- DentalImplant Placement: Once she determines you’re ready, Dr. Sheehan will surgically place your implant or implants directly in your jaw while the area is numb. We’ll use our advanced navigation to plan your surgery with maximum precision.
- Healing Period: Once the surgery is complete, you’ll need to allow two to six months for your implant to heal and merge with your jawbone. This process is called osseointegration.
- Final Restoration: Once your mouth is fully healed, you’ll return to our office in Waterford, MI to finish the last step of your treatment. Dr. Sheehan can attach your beautiful, customized restoration to the implant fixture, providing unmatched stability and support.
Are You a Candidate For Dental Implants?
Most people are candidates for dental implants. To ensure a successful implant, patients must have healthy gums and enough jawbone density to hold the implant. Patients who practice diligent at-home oral health care routines and visit the dentist for biannual check-ups tend to be good candidates for dental implants. However, our Waterford dentist near you may recommend a supplemental procedure to increase candidacy if you:
- Heavily smoke
- Have uncontrolled chronic disorders such as diabetes, heart disease, or gum disease
- Have a weakened immune system
- Are taking certain antibiotics or steroids
- Have progressed gum deterioration
Supplemental Procedures
If you lack the bone density or healthy gum tissue needed to support implants, a supplemental procedure can prepare you for treatment. Supplemental procedures for dental implants typically include bone grafting and gum grafting.
These procedures are intended to strengthen the foundation for your implants and restore your damaged jawbone. We want your new implants to last a lifetime, which requires strong, healthy gums to firmly secure them in place.
During your consultation, Dr. Sheehan will examine your oral health to make sure that you’re a proper candidate for dental implants. She will also discuss any necessary supplemental treatments and include them in your personalized plan.