Dental Implants in Salt Lake City
Proper oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing, flossing, and consistent checkups are important for maintaining oral health. However, there are certain circumstances that can result in tooth loss despite these efforts. Dental implants are a viable solution for individuals who experience tooth loss due to injury, disease, or other related issues.
Allan S. Thomas Dentistry offers dental implant procedures that can enhance your smile and improve your oral health. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are surgically implanted into the jawbone by a dentist. They are used to replace missing teeth. Titanium is a material commonly used for hip and other joint replacements due to its high biocompatibility with human bone.
Dental implants are a viable option for individuals who have lost a single tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire set of teeth. They can be used to replace a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, or even a full arch of missing teeth when combined with a denture set. The number of roots required to support a dental solution will be determined by your dentist.
Why Dental Implants and not a Different Solution?
Dental implants offer unique advantages that set them apart from alternative solutions like dentures or bridges. Conventional bridges and dentures are not surgically implanted or attached to the bone. Instability in your bite and chewing can have a negative impact on your smile's appearance and your confidence.
Implants offer a natural appearance and realistic feel, closely resembling natural teeth when compared to alternative solutions. Dental implants are designed to provide support independently, without relying on the surrounding teeth. This means that they do not put additional strain on neighboring teeth, which helps maintain their overall health and prevents any potential complications.
Bridges typically have a lifespan of approximately 7 to 10 years. On the other hand, dental implants, if correctly placed and maintained, have the potential to last a lifetime.
Types of Dental Implants and Related Services
There are three main types of implants.
- Single Tooth Implant: If you have a single tooth that requires replacement, a single replacement tooth or crown can be utilized without affecting the surrounding teeth.
- Multiple Tooth Implant: Custom-made replacement teeth can be used to substitute for multiple consecutive damaged teeth.
- Full Mouth Implant: If a situation has occurred that leaves a patient with no teeth at all, full mouth implants are used to restore a healthy-looking smile.
Aside from the typical implant procedures, there are related services that are often utilized in order to perform a dental implant.
Implant Site Development:
This is a process that involves preparing the area where an implant will be placed to optimize the success of the subsequent procedure. When a tooth is extracted due to infection, it can result in the loss of bone in the affected area. Bone grafting is a procedure that is performed to prepare the jawbone for dental implant placement.
Sinus Lift Augmentation:
This is a procedure that is performed to ensure that there is sufficient bone available for a dental implant to be successfully placed. When the upper back teeth are lost, the sinuses can enlarge, creating an air-filled space where bone is required for dental implants. Sinus lift augmentation is a surgical procedure that addresses the problem of inadequate bone quantity and quality in the upper jaw. It involves raising the sinus floor and replacing any lost bone to improve the foundation for dental implants or other dental procedures.
The healing process for sinus lift augmentation typically requires a period of 9 to 12 months before a follow-up dental implant procedure can be performed.
Autogenous Bone Grafting:
This is a procedure used when there is not enough bone quantity in certain areas of the teeth to perform a dental implant. This is like sinus lift augmentation, where additional bone is needed. To address this issue, a dental procedure called bone grafting will be performed. During this procedure, bone will be taken from another part of the mouth and transplanted into the area where the dental implant will be placed.
The two most common areas where bone extraction is performed for this procedure are the chin and the back of the jaw, specifically where the wisdom teeth were located.
Implant Maintenance:
This relates to the regular checkups with your dentist following an implant procedure. These are necessary for maintaining both natural teeth and implants. This helps prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar in the implant area. The frequency of dental checkups is determined by your dentist, who takes into account your specific needs.
Dental Implant Consultation
If you are experiencing tooth loss or have concerns that may result in tooth loss, it is important to promptly arrange a consultation with Allan S. Thomas Dentistry. A dental implant expert will assess your eligibility for dental implants and develop a comprehensive plan for a successful dental implant procedure. Call today!