Achieve Health and Confidence with Dental Implants
Dental implants accomplish much more than filling a gap left behind by a missing tooth. They provide you with the self-confidence of a healthy smile without sacrificing the feel and function of natural teeth.
They also prevent worsening oral health issues that unaddressed gaps can create, such as shifting teeth, bone loss, and gum recession. Poor oral health can leave you more susceptible to diseases that negatively affect your overall health and wellbeing. Implants can help prevent this decline while providing the most durable, long term solution to revitalizing your smile.
We understand you may have a lot of questions, our experienced team at Midlothian Family Dentistry are here to guide you through the process in a non-judgmental environment. Each patient is unique, so we take the time to understand your goals and create a treatment plan catered to your specific needs. Schedule a consultation to find out how we can help restore your smile and dental health with dental implants.
Different Implant Solutions for Your Specific Needs
There are multiple factors to consider when deciding which type of dental implant is best for you. Our caring team will help you determine which solution is best to meet your specific needs to improve your overall oral health.
At Midlothian Family Dentistry, we utilize the industry leading technology and techniques to get the best results for our patients. Whichever implant type you choose, you will be satisfied that the artificial teeth have the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth which will last a lifetime.
Single tooth implant
A single tooth implant is the most common and easily fixes a broken or missing tooth. Damaged teeth may also be fixed with a simple crown if the bulk of the tooth’s structure is still in place to receive it. However, a crown is not as durable or secure as an implant. Removing the damaged tooth and replacing it with an implant creates a more long-term solution.
Bridge implants
Bridges cover a sequential span of two-to-four teeth. These are helpful if more than one tooth needs to be replaced at the same time. Bridges require less implant posts than replacing each tooth individually.
Denture implants
Full or partial denture implants are also available. These are used when more than four teeth are missing. Denture implants require up to four implant posts, creating a more secure solution than removable dentures that only utilize a topical adhesive.
FAQs
Are implants a permanent and secure tooth loss solution?
There are different ways to handle missing or severely damaged teeth, but the most permanent and secure method is with a dental implant. They are a replacement tooth system consisting of an implant post, an abutment, and a prosthesis designed to be indistinguishable from your natural teeth. The titanium implant post is gently placed into the jaw and serves as a replacement tooth root. The prosthesis is connected to the implant post by the abutment, creating a secure mechanical fit in line with the other teeth. A firmly secured implant allows you to do everything as you would normally do with your natural teeth. Bite into healthy foods or speak with confidence knowing everything will stay in place. Each prosthesis is designed to specifically match your natural teeth’s shape and coloring, we go to great lengths to make sure the artificial tooth will go unnoticed even upon intense scrutiny. This will give you the full confidence to share that smile.
Are dental bone grafts required?
Dental bone grafts may be required for more extreme cases. Patients who suffer from significant bone loss due to decay or injury may lack the jaw density to support an implant. In these cases, a bone graft may be required. This procedure requires taking a small amount of bone from another area and repurposing it into the jaw at the implant location. This may sound extreme or painful, but you can be assured it is a common procedure and virtually painless. Patients who do not have significant bone loss can receive implants without the need for a graft if the jaw is healthy. One of our implant dentists will be able to help decide if a graft is needed to ensure proper implant installation.
How do I begin the implant restoration process?
No two smiles are exactly alike, so an initial consultation is needed to evaluate your specific needs and formulate your personal treatment plan. Our doctors will perform an examination using Cone Beam Computer Topography (CBCT) providing a three-dimensional volumetric rendering of your dental anatomy. This consultation will also reveal any special circumstances that may require additional procedures needed to ensure you are a good candidate for dental implants. The process will need to be completed in stages, meaning the full implant installation will necessitate multiple visits. Once the initial consultation is complete, your oral surgeon will fully explain your specific tooth replacement solution and full timeline of procedures.