Dental Implants: A Transformative Tooth Loss Solution
If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants can offer a lifelike, comfortable, and stable solution for restoring your smile. A dental implant is a small titanium post that is embedded in the jaw to act as an artificial tooth root. For qualifying patients, Dr. Brian K. Tavoian can place implants and restore them with a highly aesthetic dental prosthetic, such as a crown, bridge, or denture. In our office in Cedar City, UT, Brian can perform every stage of your treatment from preparatory procedures, such as bone grafts and sinus lifts, to the final restoration. We offer all sizes of posts, including short and mini dental implants, to help treat a range of patients.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
An implant-supported restoration replaces the entire structure of your tooth, from root to chewing surface. After the post is surgically placed in your jaw, it undergoes a process known as osseointegration. During this process, the post fuses with the surrounding bone tissue to become a permanent part of your anatomy. Your restoration is then attached to the post with a small connector known as an abutment.
A dental implant replaces the entire structure of your tooth
Why Choose an Implant-supported Restoration?
Implant-supported restorations are the next best thing to having a full set of your own healthy, natural teeth. Since the implants are permanent, they stay in place more effectively than traditional dentures. In addition, unlike traditional crowns and bridges, they do not require alteration of your surrounding teeth. Some of the other advantages of implant-supported restorations include:
- Improved appearance
- Durability
- Increased comfort
- Ease of eating
- Improved speech
- Convenience
Dental implants also protect your jawbone against the tissue deterioration common with tooth loss, making them a long-term investment in your oral health.
Explore Your Implant Candidacy
If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be a candidate for dental implants. However, you must meet certain qualifications before undergoing the procedure. One of the most important qualifying factors for patients interested in dental implants is healthy gums. Patients with gum disease can undergo periodontal treatment, such as scaling and root planing, at our office to restore oral health prior to implant placement.
Additionally, since implants rely on bone tissue for support, you must have sufficient tissue in your jawbone for placement. Many patients experience jawbone atrophy after tooth loss. When the roots of your tooth are lost, your body stops sending necessary resources to that section of your mouth. Over time, the tissue begins to degenerate.
The best way to determine your candidacy is to visit our office for a comprehensive oral health exam.
If you have been missing teeth for a long period of time, you may not have enough tissue to support the implants. However, for certain patients, Brian can perform a preparatory bone graft or sinus lift to restore jaw density before placement.
Certain other health concerns can disqualify patients from dental implant treatment. The best way to determine your candidacy is to visit our office for a comprehensive oral health exam. We can take a series of digital x-rays and scans to examine the stability of your jaw and determine the best treatment option for you.
The Dental Implant Process
If it is determined that you are a candidate for implants, you can proceed with implant placement surgery. Using detailed scans of your smile, Brian can identify the optimal location for implant placement and create a precise surgical guide. The number of posts you receive will depend on the size of your restoration. A single crown is typically supported by a single implant post. For a larger restoration, such as full set of dentures, you may require six posts.
During the procedure, Brian will first ensure you are comfortable using sedation. We offer several forms of sedation dentistry, including full, oral conscious, and intravenous (IV). He will then embed the implant post into the tissue of your jawbone. It typically takes between six and 12 weeks for the posts to fully fuse with the surrounding tissue.
Once your jaw has healed, you will return to our office for abutment placement. During this appointment, we will take a series of digital impressions of your smile. Depending on your restoration type, you may qualify for a same-day prosthetic created with our advanced CEREC® technology. If not, we will send your impression to our partner dental laboratory that crafts highly aesthetic and durable restorations.
Restore Your Smile with Implants
If you are missing teeth, dental implants offer a lasting and stable solution. To find out more about dental implants and the types of restorations we offer, call our office at (435) 586-0123 or contact us online today to schedule your consultation.
