Dental Implants: Placement & Restorations

Losing teeth in adulthood is distressing and traumatic. In the recent past, people’s options for replacing lost teeth were limited. Today, patients have more tooth replacement options than ever before. One popular option, dental implants, is the most lifelike alternative to biological teeth.

The Future of Tooth Replacement

Implant dentistry has revolutionized the way that oral health professionals approach tooth loss. Dental implants are the only prosthetic on the market that can replace the missing root systems of teeth. Once secure, implants hold restorations such as dental crowns and bridges. Dental implants serve as a durable foundation for restoring oral function and one’s appearance. They support adjacent teeth along with other vital oral structures like the jawbones and the gums.

The Far-Reaching Effects of Tooth Loss

Losing a tooth affects more than just your appearance. Tooth loss will negatively impact your oral health and emotional well-being.

Following are ways that tooth loss can affect your health:

  • Orofacial discomfort
  • Difficulty chewing food properly
  • Reduced self-esteem and confidence
  • Increased risks for additional tooth loss
  • Heightened risks for depression and social anxiety
  • Deterioration of the jawbone

Dental Implants | Callaway Family Dental | Fulton MO

How Dental Implants Function

Dental implants are prosthetic components that replace the missing roots of teeth. Made from biocompatible metals, the jawbone will fuse to the structure of a dental implant over time. The fusion of bone to metal is what makes dental implants a viable alternative to the biological roots of teeth.

After an implant is embedded into the jaw and stabilized, a custom-made restoration such as a dental crown or bridge is fixed in place to finalize the tooth replacement process. White restorations like porcelain crowns attached to dental implants make for incredibly lifelike replacement teeth.

Dental Implants | Callaway Family Dental | Fulton MO

Dental Implants and Their Benefits

While tooth loss is a serious issue, replacing lost teeth with dental implants provides restoration of one’s oral function and appearance. This tooth replacement method presents unique benefits that other prosthetic teeth cannot provide.

Dental implants are advantageous because:

  • They are durable, often lasting for decades.
  • Stabilized dental implants make eating a variety of food easy and comfortable. Patients with implants can enjoy foods like steak without experiencing their prosthetic teeth moving.
  • They look very natural if tooth-colored materials like porcelain are chosen to construct restorations.
  • Implants keep bone stimulated, thus reducing jawbone deterioration associated with tooth loss.
  • They are low maintenance. Dental implants and their restorations are cleaned with brushing and flossing.

If you have suffered from tooth loss, it is important to pursue your tooth replacement options as quickly as possible. Our team at Callaway Family Dental provides tooth replacement consultations for single- and multi-tooth implant dentistry.

Common Dental Implants Questions

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant replaces the missing roots of a tooth. This prosthetic is made from biocompatible materials and is embedded directly into the jawbone. Over time, the bone will fuse to the implant’s structure to hold it in place. Once dental implants are stable, restorations and prosthetics can be attached to their abutments to complete the tooth replacement process. Implants provide a sturdy base for restorations/prosthetics for optimal oral function and health.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

The only way to be certain if dental implants suit your tooth replacement needs is to schedule a consultation with our dentist. Typical candidates for dental implants include those who do not smoke or have a history of periodontal disease. Patients who receive dental implants need to commit to practicing proper oral hygiene and receiving routine checkups and cleanings. Preventive care is important for protecting the structures (bone and gums) that support dental implants.

How do implants prevent bone loss?

Dental implants provide a number of unique advantages to patients when compared to traditional tooth replacement methods like bridges and conventional dentures. One of the advantages that implants provide is preserving bone health. Since implants stimulate bone, they prevent deterioration of the jawbone.

Without teeth, our jawbones will atrophy because the roots of teeth no longer keep the bone stimulated. Bone atrophy is a common (and devastating) side effect of tooth loss. Bone loss can affect the stability of dental implants as well as biological teeth. Losing bone presents aesthetic concerns as well. It can make the mouth appear sunken in, thus exaggerating fine lines and wrinkles.

How many teeth can be replaced with dental implants?

Theoretically speaking, dental implants can replace an entire set of teeth. Implantation methods vary based on a person’s needs. For example, a single dental implant can be used to replace one tooth. Multiple dental implants can be used to support a restoration/prosthetic more extensive than a dental crown. A series of strategically placed dental implants can support bridges and even dentures.

The versatility of dental implants is great for addressing an array of people’s tooth replacement needs. Our practice develops customizable treatment plans to accommodate our patients.

How much do implants cost?

The cost of dental implants varies due to the fact that everyone has unique needs. For instance, some patients might need a single dental implant to replace a missing tooth while others require implants to restore their entire smile. Beyond the types of implantation methods, other factors come into play when considering costs. Some patients might need treatment for bone loss or tooth extractions prior to receiving their implants. Another factor that contributes to cost variance is the fact that prosthetics and restorations attached to implants are custom made. Custom restorations and prosthetics are necessary for comfortable oral function and a restored appearance.

We recommend scheduling a consultation so that our team can provide estimates tailored to your unique treatment needs. Call Callaway Family Dental to reserve an appointment.