Choosing to get dental implants can be a tough decision. Today's Dental can help you with that decision. Serving Hillsboro Oregon and the surrounding area, Today's Dental can meet all of your dental implant needs.
At Today's Dental, we work hard to give you the most personalized dental care possible. We have a wide variety of services tailored to fit your specific needs. If you are looking for the perfect dentist for your implant dentistry needs, Today's Dental has you covered.
To put it simply, dental implants are metal frames or posts that are surgically implanted in the jawbone. They act as an anchor that the replacement teeth are mounted to. Dental implants are also used to mount bridges and permanent dentures into place.
There are different types of dental implants. Each type of implant serves a different purpose.
At our practice, we offer endosteal implants.
It's important to keep in mind that not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. Your dentist will help you determine if this procedure is the right fit for you.
Dental implants offer many benefits to those who qualify for the procedure. Aside from an increase in confidence, dental implants help maintain the health of the jawbone and surrounding teeth. When you lose a tooth, the space left behind can lead to health issues, such as deterioration of the jawbone and decreased bite strength. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement solution that stimulates bone growth.
Another great advantage to dental implants is that they don’t require adjacent teeth to be ground down to attach anchor bridges or partial dentures.
A lot goes into the dental implant procedure, which will take multiple appointments. Implant placement happens in multiple steps. It starts with your initial consultation. During the consultation, the dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth, take X-rays, and discuss the different implant options. This all helps to prepare you for implant surgery.
The next appointment is usually the surgery where the implant is inserted into your jaw to replace the missing tooth. Every patient has a different experience when it comes to the level of pain after the surgery. It's important to discuss pain management with your dentist before the surgery, so you are as comfortable as possible. We will prescribe pain relievers as necessary.
As you heal, the implant and the jawbone grow together to form a strong, long-lasting foundation for your replacement teeth. The healing process usually takes a few months, but you can continue to lead your normal life. The only thing that changes during the healing process is your diet. You will have to eat soft foods for the first few weeks. Once your implant bonds into place, a connector called an abutment is placed on the implant above the gumline.
When your gums are completely healed, the dentist will make an impression of your mouth, and the remaining teeth are custom made and attached to the abutment. It's important to keep in mind that even though these teeth don’t necessarily decay, you will still have to keep up with your normal oral hygiene routine along with regular checkups.
Further Reading:
WebMD: Dental Implants
American Academy of Implant Dentistry: What are Dental Implants?
If you want more information about if dental implants are the right choice for you, give us a call at Today's Dental (503) 567-8802 to speak to one of our amazing specialists. We offer a wide range of financing options, family scheduling, free parking to all our patients. Call today to schedule a consultation and get started on the path to a beautiful, healthy smile.