Implant Dentistry

Greetings from Smile Artistry Chino Valley! We are delighted to present the specialty of implant dentistry to you today. With good reason, dental implants are increasingly taking the lead as the preferred tooth replacement option. In addition to restoring your smile, implants provide practical advantages that other tooth replacement solutions lack.

Dental implants are worth considering if you seek a gentle, painless dentistry solution. The fundamentals of implant dentistry, the benefits of dental implants, and what to anticipate during the implant procedure are all covered in this article. Now let's get going!

About Dental Implants

Implants are one of the most widely used solutions for tooth replacement. A dental implant consists of a small screw inserted into the jawbone as a prosthetic tooth root. A crown is then affixed to the top of the implant once firmly in place to give you a brand-new tooth that looks and functions like a natural tooth. In the US, 3 million people have implants, and this figure is increasing by 500,000 per year.

Patient Eligibility for Getting Dental Implants

Generally, anyone missing one or more teeth and in good overall health qualifies for dental implants. 69% of individuals between the ages of 35 and 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth. Yet, a few things can affect a patient's ability to get implants.

The patient must, first and foremost, have sufficient jawbone density to support the implant. Before they insert implants, you may require a bone graft or other treatment if the jawbone has deteriorated severely due to tooth loss or other causes. Additional variables affecting implant eligibility include smoking, certain medical disorders, and drugs that alter bone repair.

Furthermore, while tooth loss in children and teens is possible due to accidents or other circumstances, dental implants are generally not suggested for patients under 18. This is because throughout infancy and adolescence, the jawbone is still forming, and implant placement might interfere with natural growth and development. The best way to determine whether you're a good implant candidate is to consult a dental implant specialist. Our Chino Valley dentist, Dr. Vijaya Cherukuri, can evaluate your oral health, discuss your options, and help you decide whether implants are the right choice for you.

Walkthrough of the Dental Implant Process

Consultation

The first step toward receiving dental implants from us is to book a consultation. During this visit, we'll examine your teeth and jawbone to see if you're a good implant candidate. We'll also discuss your treatment objectives and develop a tailored therapy plan considering your specific requirements and preferences.

Implant Placement

We'll begin by numbing the region where we insert the implant using a topical anesthetic. We can also administer a sedative to help you relax if you are anxious. Next, we'll make a small incision in your gum tissue to expose the jawbone. The implant will then be placed into the jawbone using special instruments. The implant is a screw-shaped post made of titanium, which will act as a prosthetic tooth root. Once the implant is in place, your jawbone will need to repair and fuse with the implant in a process called Osseointegration. This can take several months, but we'll be here to guide you through every step of the way.

Abutment Placement

Once the implant has connected with the jawbone and is secure, our dentist in Chino Valley will install an abutment on top of the implant. This small connector piece attaches the implant to the crown.

Crown Positioning

Lastly, we'll connect the crown (or fake tooth) to the abutment. Dentists often perform this with dental cement or similar glue. The crown will be custom-made to match your natural teeth' size, shape, and color, allowing it to blend in with your smile seamlessly.

Follow-up and Maintenance

After your dental implant procedure is complete, our Chino Valley dentist will provide detailed instructions for care and maintenance. This often requires frequent brushing, flossing, and regular dental examinations to verify that your implant is operating correctly and your oral health is in excellent shape.

Benefits and Risks Associated with Dental Implants

Benefits

  • Improved Functionality: Implants can enhance your overall quality of life by restoring your ability to chew and talk properly. Dental implants can help to prevent sagging skin and premature aging.
  • Bone Preservation: Implants can help retain the natural bone structure in your jaw, which helps prevent additional bone loss.
  • Improved Look: Dental implants can give you a beautiful, natural-looking smile by replacing missing teeth.
  • Convenience: Implants function like natural teeth and require no special care, unlike dentures which require regular maintenance.
  • Durability: Implants frequently give a more lasting solution than typical tooth replacements.
  • Gum Disease Prevention: Dental Implants can help keep you clear of gum disease. A missing tooth gap can function as a trap for food and germs, leading to gum disease.

Risks

  • Implant Failure: While uncommon, implants can fail if the bone doesn't fuse correctly or there is too much pressure on the implant.
  • Cost: Dental implants can be more costly than other tooth replacement options, although they can be a worthwhile investment in the long run.
  • Time Obligation: Getting implants can take several months, as the bone needs time to fuse with the implant before we place the crown.
  • Surgery Risks: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage.
  • Nerve Damage: There is a possibility of injuring surrounding nerves during the implant insertion.
  • Sinus Infection: In certain circumstances, the upper jawbone may be too thin to sustain an implant. In these cases, the dentist may place the implant in the sinus cavity above the jawbone.

Gentle Dentistry and Painless Dentistry

At Smile Artistry Chino Valley, we understand that many people may feel anxious or fearful about dental procedures, especially more complex ones such as implant placement. That's why we offer gentle dentistry and painless dentistry techniques to help make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

We use advanced technology, such as digital imaging and sedation dentistry, to ensure an easy and efficient implant placement. Our dental professionals take the time to explain each step of the procedure, answer any questions you may have, and provide personalized care to ensure your comfort and satisfaction.

Thus, dental implants are an excellent option for the ones who want to restore lost teeth and enhance their oral health. They provide a variety of advantages, such as improved chewing and speech, improved appearance, and preservation of natural bone structure in the jaw. While dental implants come with certain expenses and dangers, the long-term advantages and cost-effectiveness make them a reasonable investment for many.

Consultation

If you want to discover more about dental implants or determine if they suit you, we suggest you schedule a consultation with our experienced team at Smile Artistry Chino Valley. Our friendly and knowledgeable dentist and dental team in Chino Valley will take the time to inform you of your options and recommend the best treatment for your specific needs.

So why wait? Contact us online now and take the first step towards transforming your smile into something as beautiful as you are.