Your teeth perform a variety of essential tasks every single day. They allow you to chew your food thoroughly (which is essential for proper digestion and good nutrition). They allow you to speak properly by controlling the flow of air. They provide you with a beautiful, confident smile. You may not think very much about your teeth or the jobs that they do until you lose them. No matter how many teeth you lose, whether one or many, all of the functions of your teeth, and your quality of life, are affected. Replacing missing teeth is essential for giving you back the functions of your mouth, your oral health, and your life. At McDonald & Luck DDS, we can replace your missing teeth with dental implants.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a fairly recent addition to the options available for tooth replacement. They are unlike any other option out there, and consist of three components:
| • | The implant itself. The implant is a small titanium rod that is surgically inserted into the jawbone. Your bone fuses the titanium as you heal, turning the rod into a stable root.
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| • | An abutment. The abutment is attached to the exposed end of the implant and is the connection point between the implant and your replacement teeth. |
| • | The crown. The crown, made from ceramic, is made to replace the functions and aesthetics of your missing tooth. |
Implants for All Needs
Implants can be used to replace any number of missing teeth, from one tooth to an entire mouth, making them extremely versatile. There are several types of dental implants designed to suit a variety of needs:
| • | Single tooth implants. When you are missing a single tooth in one area of your mouth, a single implant with one crown can be placed instead of a dental bridge. |
| • | Implant retained bridges. Implant retained bridges are used when you are missing several teeth in a single area of the mouth. One or more implants are placed to support the crowns. |
| • | Implant retained dentures. If you lose all of the teeth in a single arch, an implant retained denture can be used instead of a full denture. 6 to 8 implants are placed in the jaw to support your replacement teeth. |
| • | All-on-4 Treatment Concept. If your jaw is too weak to support the number of implants necessary for an implant retained denture, the All-on-4 treatment concept may be an option. This treatment uses four strategically placed implants to support your replacement teeth. |
How Implants are Placed
Dental implants require a surgical procedure. A local anesthetic is administered, and sedation can also be used if necessary. We then make incisions in the gum tissue to expose the bone. Holes are drilled, and the implants are placed. Your gums are then sutured closed, leaving a small portion exposed above the tissue. As you heal, we monitor your progress, making sure that the bone is fusing properly to the implants. During this time, you will be wearing temporary teeth. When you have healed completely, we then place the abutments and take impressions. These impressions are used to design and create your replacement teeth, which are then secured in place with screws.
Enjoy the Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer numerous benefits:
| • | The functions of your mouth are restored. |
| • | Your smile is restored, along with your confidence. |
| • | Improvements in your oral health. |
| • | Implants are a permanent solution for tooth loss. |
| • | They are more comfortable (the implants support your replacement teeth rather than your gums or adjacent teeth). |
| • | Your replacement teeth are easier to care for (they can be brushed and flossed just like your natural teeth). |
| • | Implants prevent the bone loss that normally accompanies tooth loss, helping your jaw to remain strong and stable. |
Dental Implant FAQs
With dental implants, we can help you to restore the functions of your mouth, the beauty of your smile, and the health of your mouth, giving you back your quality of life. Contact McDonald & Luck DDS today at (469) 649-0699 to schedule your consultation and find out if dental implants are the right solution for you.