Tooth loss is a serious issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Without your teeth, basic functions such as eating and speaking become more difficult. The quality of your smile, and your confidence, decline. Your jawbone also begins to change shape, altering your bite and impacting your oral health further. Traditionally, missing teeth have been treated with either
bridges or
dentures. Today, there is another option available.
Fairmount Dental Center can help with
dental implants.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a modern alternative to traditional bridges and dentures. This unique treatment involves the use of small titanium posts, which we surgically implanted directly into your jawbone, to support your replacement teeth. Your bone fuses to the implants as you heal, which integrates them into the jaw and turns them into stable, immovable roots. The
crowns are secured in place on top of these posts with small screws. They are not removable and provide a permanent solution to tooth loss. Dental implants are a versatile treatment and can be used to address a wide array of different needs. There are several different types of dental implants. No matter if you are missing a single tooth or many teeth, there is a type of implant for you.
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Single tooth implants: A single post supports a single crown.
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Multiple teeth implants: Called an implant supported bridge, one or more implants support two or more consecutive missing teeth.
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Implant supported denture: This treatment uses 6 to 8 implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth.
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All-on-4® Treatment Concept: This treatment provides an alternative to an implant-supported denture in the case that you do not have sufficient bone mass to support the implants. Rather than undergoing a bone graft, this treatment uses four strategically placed implants to maximize contact between the posts and your bone. |
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants in Salem?
Dental problems can lead to severe diseases if not treated in time. Unlike former dentistry practices, modern dentistry offers various solutions to restore patients' lost smiles and eating habits. The most common problem many patients face is tooth decay. If not treated in time, tooth decay may lead to tooth extraction and require
dental implants for proper eating. Dr. Luisa Snyder and at Fairmount Dental Center recommend visiting your dentist every six months to avoid dental diseases.
How are Dental Implants Placed?
Dental implants require oral surgery for placement. After determining you are a candidate for dental implants, we move forward with the procedure. A local anesthetic and sedation are used, ensuring that you remain comfortable throughout. Small incisions are made in the gums, exposing the jawbone. We then drill small holes into the bone and insert the titanium posts. Finally, the gums are sutured closed, and temporary teeth are placed.
Healing from dental implant surgery can take between 4 to 12 months, depending upon the health of your mouth and the number of implants we place. Healing is monitored closely to make sure the bone is fusing to the posts properly. Once you have fully healed, we then begin the process of placing your permanent replacement teeth. The temporary teeth are removed, and impressions of the mouth are taken. These impressions are sent to a lab, where the teeth are created. Once they are ready, they are screwed into place on the implants.
Dental Implant Restoration
Dr. Luisa Snyder and at Fairmount Dental Center may suggest
dental implant restoration. Even though the process of dental implant restoration might take several months, the vast majority of patients believe it is well worth the wait since it provides an efficient solution to oral health issues. We understand how overwhelming dental procedures might be; at Fairmount Dental Center we let you know what you can expect with a dental implant restoration.
Dental implants offer several benefits:
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They look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. Your smile is instantly restored upon the placement of your permanent teeth, and you do not need to adjust to them being there.
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They are easy to care for. They can be brushed and flossed just like your natural teeth.
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They are comfortable. The teeth are supported by the implants, rather than your gums. This keeps pressure off of your gum tissue and prevents the formation of painful sores.
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Dental implants protect your jawbone. The implants stimulate your jawbone just like the roots of your natural teeth. This helps to stop bone loss and protect the health and shape of your jaw. No other treatment for missing teeth can offer this benefit. |
Learn More About Dental Implants in Salem:
If you have suffered tooth loss, whether, from facial trauma,
gum disease or another issue, it is important to have those teeth replaced as soon as possible. Call Fairmount Dental Center today to schedule your consultation at
(503) 362-8364.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do dental implants differ from other tooth replacement options?
Since dental implants are a permanent restoration, they can stimulate the growth of bone in your jaw. Oftentimes losing teeth causes changes in your jawbone. The implant post embedded in the bone will slowly provide a structure for more bone to grow.
Dental implants hold crowns and bridges, and while those restorations are typically made from porcelain, they can get stained just like regular teeth. However, with dental implants, you can clean these teeth by simply brushing and flossing, and you will not have to take them out to clean them at the end of the day.
Speaking with dental implants is easy and you won't have to worry about them slipping or getting loose. Additionally, dental implants allow you to eat your favorite foods without any fear. If you want to eat something hard, hot, or crunchy, then you are now able to do so after receiving dental implants.
What is the dental implant procedure like?
Dental implants consist of prosthetic tooth roots that are surgically implanted into the jawbone to support crowns, dentures, or dental bridges. For a single-tooth dental implant, a titanium post is inserted into the jaw, connecting to an abutment, which then links to a crown crafted to match surrounding natural teeth. Multiple tooth dental implants follow a similar process, though they may involve implant-supported bridges or dentures to minimize the number of implants needed.
These implants closely mimic natural tooth structure, providing a stable base for restorations, aiming to restore both function and appearance. They offer patients a permanent solution closely resembling their original smile.
Is dental implant surgery painful?
The surgical placement of the dental implant into the jawbone is typically performed under local anesthesia for maximum comfort. Following an incision in the gum tissue to expose the jawbone, a small hole is meticulously drilled for the implant, usually fashioned from biocompatible materials like titanium. This establishes a robust foundation for temporary restorations.
Post-implant placement, a recovery period ensues to facilitate osseointegration, whereby the implant fuses with the surrounding jawbone. This integration, spanning several months, ensures firm anchorage of the implant into the bone. Your dentist may proffer post-operative care instructions, encompassing dietary restrictions, oral hygiene practices, and follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress.
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants provide patients with a reliable, long-lasting solution for missing teeth, restoring not only their confidence but also their oral function and quality of life. With proper care, they can last a lifetime, offering a durable and permanent tooth replacement solution.
Are there any risks or complications associated with dental implants?
While generally safe and effective, implant placement carries risks such as infection, osseointegration failure, and nerve damage. Maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding detrimental habits minimize these risks and ensure the longevity of the implant restoration.
