Dental implants allow you to replace the form, functionality, sensation, and aesthetics of natural teeth. Dr. Kayvan Fathimani is a triple-board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who uses cutting-edge technologies and techniques to ensure your dental implants in Lone Tree lasts a lifetime with proper care and don’t cause unwanted problems.
Your Second Chance With the Perfect Smile
Dental implants have quickly become one of the most popular options for tooth replacements, and it’s not hard to see why. Unlike other options, such as dentures or bridges, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. Not to mention, they also look and function just like your natural teeth! That’s because dental implants replace the root structures of your missing teeth, not just the visible crown. Dental implants essentially give you a second chance with the perfect smile.
What are Dental Implants?
Most people believe dental implants replace missing teeth, but that’s not entirely accurate. A dental implant is essentially a screw-like post drilled into the jawbone underneath the empty socket of the missing tooth, so it replaces the tooth’s root — not the crown. Once the dental implant is placed, your body initiates osseointegration to make the jawbone fuse with the implant surface. Over time, the dental implants in Lone Tree becomes a firmly rooted part of your anatomy, offering a stable base for crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Dental Implants Preserve Your Natural Jawbone
The jawbone is alive, and it needs stimulation to stay healthy. The natural tooth root is embedded in the bone and provides this stimulation when you bite and chew. When a tooth is extracted, that root is no longer there to stimulate the bone, and the bone begins to deteriorate. That’s why it’s important to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible.
Dental implants provide this stimulation because they replace not just the tooth but also the root. The implant post is placed directly into the bone and fuses with the bone over time. This fusion provides a strong, stable foundation for your new tooth. It also helps preserve the bone and can stimulate bone growth, thus strengthening your jawbone.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Dental implants are fixed in your mouth, while dentures are removable. This means that with dental implants, you do not have to worry about your teeth falling out or slipping while you are eating or speaking. Dental implants in Lone Tree are also more comfortable than dentures. Dentures can rub against your gums, cause irritation, and make it difficult to eat certain foods. With dental implants, you do not have to worry about these problems.
Dental Implants vs. Bridges
A dental bridge consists of a series of prosthetic teeth supported by dental crowns, which must be attached to your existing abutment teeth. To receive dental bridges, you must have some of your healthy teeth shaved down into stubs to receive crowns. Dental implants are self-supporting, unlike dental bridges, which rely on adjacent teeth for support, so your surrounding teeth won’t be modified. Dental implants also support your natural jawbone.
Benefits of Dental Implants:
- Look and feel just like natural teeth
- More durable than other tooth replacement options
- Can last a lifetime with proper care
- Do not require special care
- Brush and floss your implants like natural teeth
- Can preserve your natural teeth
- Prevent surrounding teeth from shifting
- Prevent bone loss in the jaw
To learn more about the benefits of dental implants in Lone Tree, please contact our office for an appointment today.
The Complete Dental Implants Process
Consultation:
During your initial consultation, your oral surgeon will evaluate your mouth to see if dental implants are right for you. This includes a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. X-rays may also be taken to curate a personalized treatment plan.
Extraction:
If you have one or more teeth that need to be extracted before dental implants can be placed, your dentist will do this during your initial consultation or at a separate appointment.
Bone Grafting:
In some cases, your jawbone may need to be augmented with a bone graft before dental implants can be placed. This is typically done if you have been missing teeth for a while and your jawbone has diminished as a result.
Implant Surgery:
The next step is implant surgery, which is usually done as an outpatient procedure. During surgery, your dentist will place the dental implants in Lone Tree into your jawbone, usually under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation.
Osseointegration:
Your jawbone will need to heal and fuse to the dental implants. This process, called osseointegration, can take several weeks or even months.
Final Restoration:
Once your jawbone has healed and osseointegration is complete, it’s time for your final restoration. This usually takes the form of a dental crown, bridge, or denture, which will be attached to the dental implants.
Dental Implants FAQs
Does dental implant surgery hurt?
No, dental implant surgery is not painful. With modern advances in anesthesia, you can expect to remain comfortable during the procedure.
What do dental implants feel like?
In general, dental implants feel pretty similar to your natural teeth. You shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort once the implants are in place and healed. Most people eventually forget the precise location of their implanted teeth.
What are the side effects of dental implant surgery?
After having surgery for dental implants in Lone Tree, it is normal to experience some swelling and bruising around the surgical site. You may also have some numbness in your lips, chin, and tongue. These side effects should go away within a few days. It is important to take it easy for the first 24 hours after surgery.
Can dental implants replace a complete arch of missing teeth?
Implants are a great option if you’re looking to replace a full arch of teeth. The All-on-4 technique involves using four strategic implants to support a complete denture to replace all your missing teeth.
Schedule Your Consultation
Dr. Kayvan Fathimani is a triple-board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon specializing in cutting-edge dental implant techniques. He carefully examines your teeth, administers X-rays, and curates a personalized treatment plan to help you replace your missing teeth. Please schedule a consultation to explore your options for dental implants in Lone Tree.
