DENTAL IMPLANTS

 

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What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a titanium post that is attached to a crown. Implants offer the most natural appearance and strongest chewing when considering replacement of missing teeth. A dental implant often feels like growing a new tooth!

 

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Who’s A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?

If you’re considering a dental implant, your mouth and jawbone must be healthy. If you don’t have good support for an implant, it may fail. It is critical that you:

• Establish and maintain good oral hygiene and a healthy diet

• Have enough bone to hold the implant securely

• Have good systemic health 

• Keep up with your dental checkups every six months

 

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Why Should I Get Dental Implants?

A missing tooth can cause embarrassment and compromise chewing and speaking. 

Other benefits of dental implants include:

• Comfort: Each implant is a fixed prosthetic and not removable like a denture.

• Strength: An implant requires minimal maintenance and can last your entire life with the proper habits. 

• Implants help stop jawbone shrinkage.

• Security: Implants are anchored within the jawbone and won’t move around when you eat, speak, etc.  

• Appearance: Dental implants sit inside the gums and look almost like a natural tooth compared to other dental prosthetics. Implants look and feel like your natural teeth.

 

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How Do I Get A Dental Implant?

Successful dental implants start with good planning. To begin, call to make a consultation appointment with Dr. Maney. Our staff is ready to answer any questions about implants, and we’ll create a custom treatment plan for you based on your individual goals.

 

Once an implant is placed, it takes approximately 3-6 months for the bone to integrate around the implant and heal before we attach a crown. In some cases, bone grafting may be needed when placing the implant.

 

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How Do I Take Care of My Dental Implants?

You’ll be happy to know you care for your dental implants just like your natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss once a day, rinse with an American Dental Association-approved mouthwash regularly, and schedule dental cleanings and check-ups. 

 

Your implants cannot get cavities, but gum disease and bone loss can occur if you don’t practice daily plaque removal. Smoking, eating ice, biting on nails and pens, and other bad habits can harm your dental implant. These habits contribute to gum disease, fractures, and possibly even the loss of an implant. If you clench or grind your teeth or play contact sports, a nightguard or mouthguard may be recommended to you.

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