A Patient's Guide to The Dental Implant Procedure

Maybe you were born missing a permanent tooth, lost one in a sporting accident, or had to have a decaying one pulled. No matter your reason for missing a permanent tooth or several permanent teeth, you could be a good candidate for dental implants. If you are considering dental implants as an option to enhance your smile, here's your guide to the dental implant procedure.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant itself isn't a tooth. Instead, it's a prosthesis that replaces a missing tooth. It's a small titanium post/fixture surgically placed into the jaw, on top of which one crown (cap), a fixed bridge, a partial denture, or a full denture can be attached.

Once the implant integrates into your bone, which may take several weeks or months, your dental provider can connect a structure called an abutment to the implant and then attach an artificial tooth. Patients should understand that there are three parts to a "dental implant": the implant itself that goes into the jaw, the abutment, and the artificial tooth.

Types of Dental Implant Procedures

Your periodontist will tailor a treatment plan to meet your oral needs, considering your specific condition and the type of implants you have selected.

Some of the possible treatment plans, depending on your situation, include the following:

• Single Tooth Dental Implants – Used to replace single missing teeth
• Multiple Tooth Dental Implants – Multiple dental implants can replace multiple missing teeth
• Full Mouth Dental Implants – Full-mouth dental implants are the best option for people missing all of their permanent teeth
• Sinus Augmentation – The bone quantity and quality where the implant needs to be placed is a significant factor in dental implant success. The upper back jaw has historically been one of the most challenging areas in which to successfully place implants due to insufficient bone quantity and quality in this location as well as the close proximity to the sinus. Sinus augmentation raises the sinus floor and develops bone for the placement of dental implants, increasing the success of the procedure.
• Ridge Modification – Upper or lower jaw airway deformities may leave an inadequate amount of bone in for dental implants. To fix this, the gums in the surrounding area are lifted away from the ridge to expose the void where the bone should be. The void is then filled with bone or bone substitute to build up the ridge. This procedure has been shown to greatly improve the jaw's appearance and enhance the chances of successful implants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

Will My Dental Implants Last?

Unlike natural teeth, dental implants are immune to dental diseases such as cavities and decay. However, healthy gums are vital to maintaining lasting implant success. Meticulous home care by the patient and routine professional dental cleanings and exams are essential for dental implant sustainability. Each dental implant patient is unique, and implant success depends on diagnosis and planning, medical history, and a variety of other factors.

Can I Get Metal-Free Implants?

Unfortunately, "metal-free" implant teeth don't exist. Nearly all materials used for teeth replacements have some sort of metal ions in them. Dental implants are made of titanium alloy (kind of like hip implants, shoulder implants, and knee implants), which is highly biocompatible. In fact, an allergy to titanium is extremely rare. Currently, there are no reliable alternatives to titanium dental implants.

Dental Implants in Lincoln

At Family and Implant Dentistry, we can help determine if you are an ideal candidate for dental implants. If so, we will go over your options and thoroughly explain the procedure that is right for you. We look forward to working with you and giving you the smile you have always dreamed about.

You can learn more about dental implants in Lincoln by contacting us at 402-486-0825 or requesting an appointment online.