Dental Implants
Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants at Clarkson Family Dentistry
Missing Teeth? Dental Implants Are the Perfect, Long-Lasting Solution!
Losing a tooth can feel like a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your confident smile. At Clarkson Family Dentistry, we offer dental implants as a long-lasting, natural-looking solution to replace missing teeth. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or other reasons, implants are the next best thing to getting your natural teeth back.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the most durable and permanent way to replace missing teeth. They consist of three main parts:
- Implant
A titanium post that’s surgically placed into your jawbone. This post acts like the root of your tooth, providing a solid foundation.
- Abutment
A small connector piece that’s placed on top of the implant and holds the crown in place.
- Crown
The visible part of the implant—a custom-made tooth that blends seamlessly with your other teeth.
Once the implant is in place, it fuses with your jawbone, creating a strong, stable foundation for the crown. This means you get a tooth that looks, feels, and functions just like a real tooth!
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Here are a few reasons why dental implants are such a popular choice for replacing missing teeth:
- Natural Look and Feel
Implants are custom-made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth, so no one will know it’s not the real thing!
- Long-Lasting Solution
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a great long-term investment in your oral health.
- Improved Comfort
Unlike dentures, implants don’t move around, and they feel just like natural teeth—no slipping, no discomfort.
- Better Oral Health
Implants help preserve your jawbone and keep your surrounding teeth from shifting, maintaining the structure of your face and mouth.
- Eat Anything
With dental implants, you can eat all your favorite foods without worrying about your teeth shifting or falling out.
The Dental Implant Process: What to Expect
Getting dental implants is a multi-step process, but don’t worry—we’ll be with you every step of the way! Here’s how it works:
1. Consultation
We’ll start with a consultation to assess your oral health and make sure you’re a good candidate for implants. We’ll take X-rays to check your jawbone and determine the best placement for the implant.
2. Implant Placement
During this step, we’ll surgically place the titanium post (the implant) into your jawbone. Don’t worry—it’s a routine procedure, and we’ll make sure you’re comfortable the whole time.
3. Healing Period
After the implant is placed, you’ll need a few months for the implant to fuse with your jawbone. This process, called osseointegration, creates a solid foundation for your new tooth.
4. Abutment Placement
Once your implant has healed, we’ll place the abutment (the connector) on top of the implant to hold the crown.
5. Crown Placement
Finally, we’ll place your custom-made crown on top of the abutment. Your new tooth will look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth!
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you’re missing one or more teeth and are in generally good health, you’re likely a great candidate for dental implants. You’ll need to have healthy gums and enough jawbone to support the implant, but don’t worry—if you’ve lost some bone density, we may be able to perform a bone graft to strengthen the area.
Implants are also a great option if you’re tired of dealing with dentures or bridges that don’t fit well or move around. We’ll evaluate your mouth during your consultation and let you know if dental implants are the right solution for you.
Benefits of Dental Implants Over Other Options
While there are other ways to replace missing teeth, dental implants offer some unique advantages:
- More Stable Than Dentures: Unlike dentures, which can shift or slip, implants are firmly anchored in your jaw, giving you a secure and natural fit.
- Longer-Lasting Than Bridges: Dental bridges typically last 10-15 years, while implants can last a lifetime with proper care.
- Better for Jaw Health: Implants stimulate your jawbone just like natural teeth, helping to prevent bone loss and maintain the structure of your face.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
One of the great things about dental implants is that they’re easy to care for! Just treat them like your natural teeth—brush, floss, and visit us regularly for cleanings and check-ups. With the right care, your implants can last a lifetime.
FAQs About Dental Implants
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The crown may need to be replaced after 10-15 years, but the implant itself is a permanent solution.
Does getting dental implants hurt?
The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the implant placement. After the procedure, you may have some mild discomfort, but most patients find it to be manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
How long does the whole process take?
The implant process can take several months from start to finish, as you’ll need time for the implant to heal and fuse with your jawbone. However, the results are worth the wait!
Are dental implants covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for dental implants varies depending on your plan. We’ll work with you to check your coverage and discuss payment options if needed.
Ready to Restore Your Smile? Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation Today!
If you’re ready to learn more about how dental implants can transform your smile, we’d love to help! Give us a call at (770) 532-4419 or use our online booking form to schedule your consultation. At Clarkson Family Dentistry, we’re here to help you get back to smiling, eating, and speaking confidently!