If you are suffering from tooth loss, you are not alone. Whether injury, decay or gum disease has taken its toll on your smile, there is a reliable and effective method many people select to restore full oral health. Dental implants are a unique restorative procedure that will improve your lifestyle and your self-esteem when facing others. Your implant dentist in Kansas City is pleased to offer a full consultation regarding the entire implant process, and answer any questions you may have. Dr. Byars is committed to providing you with individual treatment options and information about how to restore your healthy smile and bring back your confidence.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant refers to the process of surgically implanting a post made from titanium into the jawbone beneath your gums. Once the area begins to heal, the post will start to fuse together with the bone and become a strong foundation, much like a natural root. Finally, a restoration element such as a crown, a bridge or a denture is mounted onto the post. The implant is permanent and stable so there will be no shifting around in the mouth the way dentures or partials sometimes behave. The final result is a natural-looking tooth that will last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene.
Are Dental Implants Right For Me?
The single most important factor in determining whether you may be a good candidate for implants is having healthy gums and adequate bone in which to support an implant. If you are someone who suffers when wearing traditional dentures or bridges due to sore spots, poor ridges or have a sensitive gagging reflex, implants are a natural and comfortable alternative. If you have concerns about the health of surrounding teeth, traditional restorations require grinding and preparing adjacent teeth to hold the replacement restoration, whereas implants are singular and do not.
Dental Implants Are Versatile
If you are missing two or more teeth or are experiencing severe tooth loss, dental implants provide a versatile option to restore your oral health and smile once again. Here are a few of the options implants offer:
- Implant-Retained Crowns & Bridges — For two consecutive missing teeth, we’ll attach two connected crowns to a single implant post. Three or four consecutive missing teeth will require a series of connected dental crowns with an implant post at both ends of the restoration. In certain cases, a series of fixed bridges can be used to restore a full arch of lost teeth for a more natural look and feel.
- Implant-Retained Dentures — With more significant tooth loss, a partial or full denture can be supported by a number of dental implants. This may be a good option if you are missing non-consecutive teeth. Replacement teeth are placed along a gum-colored base molded to fill in the gaps of your smile. Full dentures can also be done the same way with a minimal amount of implants to support the structure.
- All-On-4 Dentures (Teeth in a day) — This is an option for patients who don’t have adequate bone density to support a full denture. Four implant posts are anchored into the bone and spaced along the naturally denser part of the jaw at the front of the mouth. Two implants are placed in the front vertically, and two posts are positioned diagonally from the back of the mouth to the front to support the entire denture.
Caring For Your Dental Implants
You care for your dental implants the same way you would your natural teeth. Maintain your normal brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings and check-ups. Here are a few extra tips to ensure success and make your implant last:
- Practice good oral hygiene – Along with your regular oral routine, using interdental brushes, brushes that slide between teeth, can help clean the hard to reach areas around your implant.
- Quit smoking – Not only does smoking stain your teeth, it can weaken the bone structure and can contribute to implant failure.
- Avoid chewing on hard foods – Be careful when chewing on hard items such as ice and hard candy because they can break the crown and your natural teeth.
Questions?
Dental implants are a safe, reliable and long-term restoration that will have you smiling from ear to ear once again. If you are seeking a dentist in Kansas City that can provide you with a great alternative to bring back your winning smile, please contact us today.