Dental Implants – McComb, OH
A Restorative Treatment Built to Last a Lifetime
Tooth loss doesn’t just impact your self-esteem, it also drastically changes your overall quality of life by altering your ability to chew and speak with ease. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, dental implants are a strong, stable, and durable restorative solution that can last a lifetime with the proper care. These small titanium posts offer a variety of benefits that no traditional restoration is able to, including the prevention of jawbone deterioration. With the latest dental technology, at McComb Family Dental, we’re able to provide our patients with the most advanced treatment options that are crafted using the highest quality of materials and latest techniques. Contact us today to learn whether dental implants are the right solution for you!
Why Choose McComb Family Dental for Dental Implants?
- Partnered with Experienced Oral Surgeons
- State-of-the-Art Dental Technology
- Flexible Financing Available
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
Dental implants are a preferred tooth replacement option by dentists and patients alike thanks to their numerous benefits. This is the only tooth replacement option out there that restores the roots of the missing teeth. To achieve this, getting dental implants requires a multi-step process that spans over the course of several months. Everyone’s treatment looks a little bit different, but here are the four main steps that everyone can anticipate.
Initial Dental Implant Consultation
The first step when getting dental implants is your initial consultation. During this time, we will examine your smile to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Some patients require preliminary procedures before they are able to qualify. This can include gum disease treatment, bone grafting, and more. If this applies to you, we can help you get these treatments scheduled. Once your jaw and gums are in good shape, we can move on to putting together your treatment plan. During this visit, we will go over the timeline and cost of your treatment in detail.
Dental Implant Surgery
Getting dental implants requires a surgical procedure. At McComb Family Dental, we want you to be in the best possible hands, so we partner with the most experienced oral surgeons in the McComb region to achieve the greatest results. After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, an incision is made into the gum tissue. The dental implants are placed at precise locations and angles where they will have a solid, stable foundation. Then, the gums are closed and protective caps are placed over the ends of the implants to keep them safe so the area can heal effectively.
Dental Implant Osseointegration & Abutment
It can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months for the area to completely heal. This is when titanium implant(s) fuse to the jawbone in a process called “osseointegration.” It is this process that makes your replacement teeth so stable and long-lasting. Once osseointegration is complete, you will need to undergo another minor procedure in which abutments are placed on the end of the implants. Impressions are taken so your final restoration(s) can be crafted at the dental laboratory.
Delivery of Dental Implant Restorations
Once your restoration(s) is complete, you can return to our dental practice. At this time, your dentist will attach your restoration(s) to the dental implant(s) via the abutment(s). If everything looks and feels great, you can leave the office showing off your new and complete smile with pride!
Benefits of Dental Implants
The reason that dental implants come highly recommended by patients and professionals alike is because they offer a variety of unique benefits. When you replace your missing teeth with this modern solution, you can expect:
Indications for Dental Implants
No matter how many teeth you need to have replaced, dental implants function for a variety of unique situations and needs. By scheduling a consultation with our implant dentist at McComb Family Dental, you can learn what type of implant treatment will best suit your needs.
Missing Single Tooth
For a single tooth restoration, a dental implant will be surgically placed below your gums. Atop it, a custom-crafted dental crown will be secured to fill in the gap in your smile. Your surrounding natural teeth won’t need to be altered to hold it, preserving your grin exactly how it is.
Missing Multiple Teeth
For multiple missing teeth in a row, we may suggest an implant-retained bridge or an implant-supported partial denture. This depends on where your missing teeth are located in your mouth. For patients who have consecutive gaps, we can support up to three replacement teeth on just two implants, allowing for a more conservative and cost-effective restorative approach.
Missing All Teeth
For patients missing an entire arch or all of their teeth, our dentists may suggest an implant-retained denture. These restorations are typically supported by four to six dental implants, so the denture doesn’t move or shift in your mouth.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Implants
Maintaining & Caring for Your Dental Implants
In recent years, dental implants have become the ideal solution for missing teeth. Thanks to their unique placement inside the jawbone, they’re able to keep your smile complete, strong, and healthy for a lifetime. Of course, that’s only the case if you take proper care of them. By following a few simple precautions, you can expect your newly rebuilt grin to last for years to come. If you’d like to learn how to properly maintain your implants, continue reading or give our office a call today!
Make Oral Hygiene a Priority
Dental implants may not be able to get cavities, but that doesn’t mean you should slack off on your oral hygiene. You’re still vulnerable to issues like gum disease, which can lead to dental implant failure. The best way to prevent harmful bacteria from attacking your soft oral tissues is by following a solid dental hygiene regimen. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing every day with an ADA-approved mouthwash is a great way to keep your smile in tip-top shape.
Kick Bad Habits to the Curb
Do you smoke? Bite your nails? Chew on pens or pencils? Use your teeth as tools? Munch on leftover ice? While these habits may seem harmless, they can destroy your enamel and implants. If you want to enjoy your newly rebuilt smile for a lifetime, you should try and break these poor habits as soon as you can. At McComb Family Dental, we can provide you with the support, resources, and guidance you need to make breaking these habits as easy as can be.
Protect Your Dental Implants
If you regularly play sports or grind your teeth at night, you should ask our dentist about a custom-made oral device. An athletic mouthguard can keep your pearly whites safe from any impact should you sustain a blow to the face. Meanwhile, a nightguard can protect your enamel from the force of grinding your teeth at night.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Aside from good oral hygiene, you should visit our dentist every six months for checkups and cleaning to ensure no issues are developing. These appointments allow us to review your prosthetics and monitor your restorations. With early intervention, we can help you avoid more costly and invasive issues down the line.
Dental Implant FAQs
After reading through the above information – from the indications for dental implants to the benefits they offer – you likely know quite a bit more about this tooth-replacement solution. However, you still may have some lingering questions on your mind. That’s okay! Our team is eager to provide you with answers so you can feel informed and confident heading into your treatment. That’s why we’ve responded to some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from patients below.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Since dental implants are built to last, they are crafted from only the best materials. As a result, they can last for 30+ years! This is significantly longer than other tooth-replacement solutions, like dentures. The key, of course, is proper care. To keep your dental implant (and your oral health) in pristine condition, it’s important to brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
Can I Get Dental Implants If I Smoke?
Smoking does not automatically disqualify you from getting dental implants. However, the use of tobacco has been linked to several troublesome consequences, like dry mouth and delayed healing. That’s why candidates are determined on a case-by-case basis. If you do qualify for the procedure, then our implant dentist in McComb will provide you with a list of instructions, including not smoking for at least two weeks before the procedure and at least 2-3 months afterward. As a result, many patients use this opportunity to kick this habit altogether.
What Can Cause Dental Implants to Fail?
Dental implants in McComb have more than a 95% success rate, which is quite impressive. Of course, it is possible for them to “fail” in the short and long-term. The two most frequent culprits? Peri-implantitis and failed osseointegration. The first is a form of gum disease that can wreak havoc on the bone and gums that support your dental implants. The latter refers to the unsuccessful fusion of the implant to your jawbone. Chronic teeth grinding, poor oral hygiene, and certain medications are also common causes.
Will People Be Able to Tell That I Have Dental Implants?
The last thing you want is to invest in a tooth-replacement solution that is bulky, obtrusive, and awkward. Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about that with dental implants. They are custom-made for each patient, ensuring the size, shape, and shade of the restoration suits your smile perfectly. For this reason, the results are natural when it comes to both look and function, and the only attention you get will be positive!
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