Nearly 120 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth. If you are one of them, you already know missing a tooth or teeth can be difficult. Not only does it make you self-conscious to smile, but it can also cause long-term issues like bone loss. If you want to replace your missing tooth or teeth with dental implants, Dr. Justin is a general dentist who is trained in dental implant placement. He can help you achieve the smile you have been missing for far too long.
When you lose a tooth, you lose more than the tooth itself. The root is no longer alive and stimulating support from the underlying jawbone. Losing a tooth also takes away any support provided to adjacent teeth — leaving them room to move and shift. Issues can occur if you lose a tooth or teeth and don’t replace them, such as:
The tooth plays a major role in keeping the integrity of your oral health. Once a tooth is lost, the rest of the mouth is at risk for further problems.
Dental implants are a tried-and-true method for replacement of missing teeth. A dental implant is a screw-shaped titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone that will regenerate a replacement tooth root over time, fusing with the bone to create a solid base for a crown restoration. An implant also serves to stimulate bone growth, keep nearby teeth from moving and shifting, and maintain the integrity of the facial structure. Best of all, implants allow you to eat all your favorite foods and smile with confidence!
There are several strategies when it comes to implant placement. Depending on how many teeth are missing and the overall health of your mouth, Dr. Justin will help you determine your best course of action. If you are missing a single tooth or already have an implant that needs repair, Dr. Justin and Birch Dental can place and restore dental implants in-office.
General dental implant placement requires just a few appointments. First, you will consult with Dr. Justin to determine if your jawbone is in good shape to hold an implant and if your mouth and gums are free of disease. If you are healthy, he will take a detailed image of your teeth, jaw and sinuses. From there, he will be able to determine how to insert your dental implant without causing damage to surrounding tissues or systems. He will come up with a game plan and you’ll schedule your surgery appointment.
To place the implant, Dr. Justin will create a small incision in the gums and screw the implant post into the jawbone. You will be numbed and comfortable during the procedure. After the implant is secure, you will head home to recover. Most patients are surprised at the speed and ease of recovery. After the implant has fully healed, you will be ready to place the crown.
This is the most exciting part of the process. While you were healing, a lab was fabricating a perfectly matched tooth to screw onto your implant. After Dr. Justin places the crown, you can see the result.
Imagine being able to eat and smile without issue. With dental implants, you can start living life to the fullest.
Mini implants are so named because they’re about half the size of traditional implants. Since they don’t need as much natural bone to stay secure, mini implants area good option for patients that without sufficient bone density to support a traditional implant. As an added bonus, the mini-plant procedure itself can typically happen in a single appointment–and since the surgery is less invasive, you maybe able to see your final smile in one day!
Mini implants have a slightly different structure compared traditional implants, but the results look the same. Mini implants are less invasive and don’t require as much natural jawbone. Dr. Birch can assess and see if you are a good candidate for mini implants.
Though mini implants have different proportions than traditional ones, the end result is still aesthetically pleasing and secure. Dr. Justin will assess you as a candidate for mini implants at your consultation.
If you wear dentures and are tired of the gapping and slipping, you should consider implant-supported dentures. Instead of resting on top of your gums, Dr. Justin will place several implants that act as anchors for your denture. The denture is fixed to the titanium posts and is only removed if you want it to be or if Dr. Justin suggests removal for cleaning or sleep. For patients missing consecutive teeth or all their teeth, implant-supported dentures are a game-changer.
If you are interested in implant-supported dentures, it never hurts to learn more. Call us today and schedule a free, no-pressure assessment. We can’t wait for you to get the smile you’ve always wanted!
If you have an implant that has cracked or broken, call us right away. Dr. Justin will determine if he can repair the crack or break or if you might need a replacement implant.