⊙ Dental Implants
Long-Term Option for Replacing Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can affect your ability to chew, speak, and smile comfortably. Dental implants are designed to replace the roots of missing teeth with small posts placed in the jawbone. Once integrated with the bone, these implants provide a stable foundation for a custom crown, bridge, or denture. At Farmington Dental Care, we evaluate your oral health and discuss whether implant treatment may be suitable for your needs.
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Difficulty Chewing: Missing teeth can make it harder to bite and chew comfortably.
⊙ Dental Implants
How Missing Teeth Can Affect Your Smile
When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth and supporting jawbone may be affected over time. Dental implants may help address several concerns associated with missing teeth.
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Changes in Speech: Gaps in your smile may affect pronunciation.
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Shifting Teeth: Neighboring teeth may gradually move into the open space.
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Jawbone Changes: The bone in the area of a missing tooth may gradually lose volume without normal tooth-root stimulation.
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Reduced Stability: Traditional removable tooth replacements may move during eating or speaking.
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Changes in Appearance: Missing teeth can affect the overall balance and appearance of your smile.
Dental implants can provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth, but suitability depends on your bone structure, gum health, and overall dental condition.
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Dental Crown: A custom-made tooth-shaped restoration attached to the abutment to restore the appearance and function of the missing tooth.
HOW DENTAL IMPLANTS WORK
A complete dental implant restoration typically consists of three main components that work together to replace a missing tooth.
Once the implant integrates with the surrounding bone, it can provide a stable foundation for the final restoration.
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Implant Post: A small post, commonly made of titanium, is placed in the jawbone and serves as an artificial tooth root.
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Abutment: A connector attached to the implant post that supports the replacement tooth.
1. Consultation and Evaluation: Examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine whether implant treatment is appropriate.
DENTAL IMPLANTS PROCEDURES
2. Treatment Planning: Review the implant location and whether additional procedures, such as bone grafting, may be needed.
3. Implant Placement: Surgically place the implant post into the jawbone.
​Dental implant treatment is carefully planned and typically takes place over several stages. The timeline depends on your oral health, bone condition, and the complexity of your case. Your dentist will discuss each step and the expected healing period before treatment begins.
4. Healing and Integration: Allow time for the implant to integrate with the surrounding bone. This healing period may take several months.
5. Abutment and Crown Placement: Attach the abutment and complete the restoration with a custom-made crown.
⊙ Personalized Implant Treatment
A Treatment Plan Designed Around Your Needs
Every dental implant case is different. Before treatment begins, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, review your imaging, and discuss the recommended procedure and timeline. Additional treatments or healing time may be needed depending on your individual needs.
⊙ Caring for Dental Implants
Keep Your Dental Implants Healthy
Proper care and regular dental visits are important for maintaining the health of your dental implants and surrounding gums. Following a consistent oral hygiene routine can help protect your implant restoration over time.
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Brush twice daily and clean around the implant restoration.
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Floss daily using tools recommended by your dental team.
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Avoid chewing excessively hard objects.
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Do not skip routine dental examinations and professional cleanings.
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Follow any specific post-treatment instructions provided by your dentist.
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Contact your dentist if you notice swelling, discomfort, or movement around the restoration.
Good oral hygiene and regular professional monitoring help support the long-term health of your implant restoration.
