Dental Implants – Farmington, MI
The Premier Solution for Replacing Lost Teeth
If your smile is missing one or more of its teeth, you should know about comprehensive tooth replacement with dental implants -- the trusted solution that, once all is said and done, is virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. If you’re dealing with the effects of an incomplete smile, we invite you to learn more, so keep reading to find out everything you need to know about dental implants in Farmington!
Dental Implants: A Comprehensive Solution
At Monet Aesthetic Dentistry, Dr. Metzger offers dental implant restorations to renew the appearance and health of smiles marred by missing teeth. But what does that mean, exactly? Let’s take a closer look to understand what’s so special about dental implants.
Learn More About Implant Placemment
Missing One Tooth
A dental implant is a small titanium post inserted into your jawbone to anchor a replacement tooth. We can replace one or more teeth with dental implants, and they can also be used to secure a prosthetic device, like a denture or fixed bridge. If you and Dr. Metzger determine that implants are the right choice for your smile, you’ll be referred to a trusted oral surgeon who will place the posts into your jawbone. Once the recovery is complete and your implants are ready to receive their new teeth, Dr. Metzger will oversee all aspects of your smile's restoration, including attaching your new replacement teeth.
Missing Multiple Teeth
Implant-retained crowns and bridges are made of 100% dental porcelain and are designed to completely resemble real teeth in every way. They attach directly to implant posts using something called an abutment, which is a small screw-like device that also provides internal support for the restoration. Once in place, implant crowns and bridges blend seamlessly into the smile, and they just require standard brushing and flossing to look like new for decades to come.
Missing All of Your Teeth
The benefits of choosing implant dentistry to complete your smile are numerous, especially compared to other options. Some of the most common advantages include:
- You get to enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile once again
- Increased oral and overall health
- Freedom from messy denture adhesives
- Better articulation with a full set of teeth
- The confidence to eat what you want and laugh with abandon once again!
If you’re still wondering whether they’re a good investment, consider this: dental implants have a 95% to 98% success rate on average. Plus, with proper care, implant-retained teeth last most patients a lifetime!
The Cost of Dental Implants
The cost of a dental implant procedure can vary from patient to patient depending on how many teeth they would like to be replaced, what type of restoration they want, and if they have any insurance coverage. Despite being more expensive than traditional bridges and dentures upfront, implants are actually the most cost-effective option thanks to their longevity. Traditional tooth replacements often need to be completely redone every 7-10 years, while dental implants can easily last for 30 or more with the proper maintenance.
Candidates for Dental Implants
Your Farmington dentist Dr. Metzger will consider two factors when determining whether dental implants are a good solution for you. First, she’ll make sure you have enough supporting jawbone for the dental implants to anchor within. If not, a bone graft may be necessary. Second, she’ll make sure you’re in good oral and overall health -- patients dealing with gum disease, diabetes, HIV, or other serious health conditions are generally not good candidates for this treatment.
As soon as you’re ready to complete your smile with the best replacement available today, don’t wait to contact Monet Aesthetic Dentistry! We’re always ready to help our patients enjoy the benefits of a full smile once again -- so let us get started on yours!
Frequently Asked Questions – Dental Implants
If the idea of replacing your missing teeth with dental implants sounds like a worthy investment, we are happy you agree! Not only can you restore the look of your smile, but you can also prevent your oral health from deteriorating by maintaining its bone structure. At Monet Aesthetic Dentistry, we want all our patients to feel confident in their decision to pursue dental implant placement. This is why we are providing you a list of frequently asked questions that will give you more insight into the process and hopefully, alleviate any concerns you may have.
What are dental implants made of?
Most dental implants are made of titanium. Since this material is least likely to cause problems for patients with sensitivities or allergies, it is great for fusing to the bone and surrounding tissue – both of which are necessary for successful implantation. The implant itself mimics the natural tooth root and is surgically placed into the bone. The abutment is a small connector piece that attaches to the implant and secures the restoration in place. The final piece of a dental implant is the custom dental crown, bridge, or denture that is placed on top. These are made from a wide range of materials but can blend in to match the rest of your smile.
How long do dental implants last?
The average lifespan for a dental implant is decades or even a lifetime. Because of their permanence and surgical placement, they do not require relining or readjusting over the years. In fact, with proper care and maintenance, they don’t even need replacing. As the superior tooth replacement solution used by dentists, you will be making a great investment in your smile.
Can I eat my favorite foods with dental implants?
Yes! You can most certainly eat all your favorite foods while wearing dental implants. These tooth replacements are designed to act just like a natural tooth. Although the initial stages after implant placement may have you eating softer foods to get used to your new fixture, it won’t take long before you are eating and enjoying regular foods.
It is suggested that you avoid or limit your consumption of sugary, acidic, and starchy foods, as well as anything hard or crunchy. The reason is that these items can lead to harmful bacteria growing and spreading on and around your teeth and gums, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Although your implants cannot decay, the teeth surrounding it can, and should they become diseased, this can negatively affect your dental implant.
Can I get dental implants if I smoke?
While some dentists will place implants even if a patient smokes, it is highly unadvisable. This is because smoking weakens the immune system and makes it much harder to heal. Since the mouth must undergo osseointegration, a process that involves the implant fusing to the bone and surrounding tissue, in order for the implant placement to be successful, smoking can make this process almost impossible. Without proper healing and recovery, your implant will not be firmly in place.
Do dental implants ever fail?
Unfortunately, there are instances in which a dental implant can fail. While the success rate for implants is high (around 95%), if it is improperly placed, this can cause uneven bite pressure on the implant, which can lead to it loosening or falling out.
It’s also possible if you have a weakened or compromised immune system, or if you smoke, for your dental implants to fail. The reason is that you will have a harder time healing or fighting off an infection.