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DENTAL SERVICES

Fortson Dentistry Logo | Lathrup Village, MI

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Are you self-conscious because of missing teeth, or because you wear dentures that are uncomfortable? Implant dentistry has come a long way and offers restorative solutions that look, feel and function just like your natural teeth. With affordable dental implants from Fortson Dentistry you have no reason to hide your smile anymore!


WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Implant Dentistry is categorized as a form of prosthetic, or artificial replacement dentistry, but is also considered a form of cosmetic dentistry. Dental implants are titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone, beneath your gum. Once in place, they are ready for replacement, or prosthetic teeth to be mounted on them.

Dental implants act as replacements for roots, giving a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth or bridges, and are designed to match your teeth. Dentures or bridges mounted to your implants won’t slip or shift in your mouth, enabling you to eat and speak normally.

The process of fusion between your dental implant and jawbone is called osseointegration. Titanium is a material that allows the implants to integrate with the bone without the body identifying it as a foreign material, resulting in excellent outcomes. Today, the success rate for dental implants is about 98%.

Implant surgery is a two-part process. The first part is the actual implant surgery and initial tooth extractions and bone grafting if necessary, while the second part entails ensuring a good fit and creation of your permanent prosthesis.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Having a dental implant fused to the jawbone is the closest thing to a natural tooth. By restoring your missing tooth roots, dental implants provide stability to eat all the foods you love, without struggling to chew. Additionally, they help to stimulate and maintain jaw bone, preventing bone loss and supporting your facial features.

Implants are utilized to restore a missing tooth, several teeth, or all of your teeth. The goal of tooth replacement in dentistry is to restore function as well as aesthetics. You will enjoy an improved appearance, speech, comfort, and oral health. Dental implants eliminate the need to deal with removable dentures as well as the adhesives you need to keep them in place. Implants are durable and with proper care, may last a lifetime!

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Historically, there have been two types of dental implants, endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal, the most commonly used procedure, refers to implants surgically implanted directly into the bone, while subperiosteal are implants consisting of a metal frame that rests on top of the jawbone under the gum tissue. In both procedures, an artificial tooth (or teeth) is mounted onto the post individually or grouped on a bridge or denture.

Additional dental implant options include All-on-4® or Teeth in a Day. These systems can replace an entire arch - all of your upper or lower natural teeth.

All-on-4 is a system of dental implants that can replace all of your teeth. It’s especially good for anyone who is missing most or all of their natural teeth. This is because All-on-4 implants can replace an entire arch (all of your upper or lower teeth) all at once. These techniques utilize four implants to lock your new teeth in place. Unlike conventional implants, All-on-4 and Teeth in a Day can be secured in a single visit rather than the typical six months and can heal in as little as six to eight weeks.

WHAT TO EXPECT

During the consultation and planning stage, our Dentist will visually examine the site in your mouth where you are considering an implant, as well as look at dental images. The quantity and quality of the jawbone are assessed to determine if you will need more bone at the site.

The surgical procedure involves administering a local anesthetic to numb the area, and sedatives if needed to ease any anxiety. The first stage of surgery includes extracting any existing damaged teeth. At times, an alveolar bone graft is required to achieve a stable bone base for your implant. This site will be left to heal for two to six months.

If a site has no teeth and bone loss is present, you may require an onlay bone graft, which involves placing bone material on top of the existing jawbone. This procedure usually entails about six months of healing.

Once the adequate bone is present the site is ready for the implant surgery. The dental implant which is a small post made of titanium is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. A healing cap covers the implant and the healing phase begins.

During the healing phase, a temporary denture can be made to replace missing teeth. Healing time is usually from two to six months. During this time, the implant becomes integrated with the bone in a process called osseointegration.

After the healing period, we will connect a prosthetic replacement to the dental implant via a screw which is called an abutment. After making an impression of your mouth, we will custom make the implant crown to fit. We will either cement on or secure the implant crown with a screw to the abutment.

We will make sure to match the color of the new teeth to your natural teeth. The resulting replacement teeth look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. Most people who have received dental implants say that there is little discomfort involved in the procedure.

HOW DO YOU CARE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Implants need the same care as your real teeth, including brushing, flossing, rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, and regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

WHAT IS THE COST OF DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Many of our Southeast Michigan patients are curious to learn about the cost of dental implants. As you can imagine, every case is unique so your best bet is to schedule a consultation at one of our Lathrup Village locations or our Oak Park location.

DO DENTAL IMPLANTS HURT?

It may sound painful to have a dental implant done, but for most patients, the process is easier than removing a tooth. The procedure is typically done with a local anesthetic with the patient awake and comfortable through the entirety of the process.

HOW COMMON ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Dental implants are very common in the United States. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, over 3 million people have dental implants in the United States and about 500,000 implants are placed each year. Dental Implants are not only common but they are extremely beneficial for patients with missing teeth.

WHAT TYPE OF DENTIST DOES DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Historically, a patient needing a dental implant would be referred to an oral surgeon by their general dentist. Today, however, many general dentists have extensive surgery training and experience and are able to place implants. At Fortson Dentistry, we have trained with a top Prosthodontist, Dr. Albert Wesley, but rest assured, if your case is more complex than we can confidently handle, we will refer you to a specialist.

WHAT IS BONE GRAFTING FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

The stimulation from chewing promotes bone growth in the jaw bone but when teeth are missing and the stimulation is gone, dramatic bone loss can occur. For dental implants, bone grafting is a way to regenerate bone growth in an area where a tooth is missing. Bone is necessary for patients receiving an implant because the base of the implant must be anchored into the jaw bone. These grafts can be taken from various bone sources including synthetic materials, the patient, an animal, or another human. The bone is then grafted or placed in the area where the implant will go and act as a base for the new growth to build on eventually replacing the bone graft material.

TALK TO THE EXPERTS

If you are considering dental implants in Southfield, Lathrup Village, Berkley, Oak Park, Madison Heights, Birmingham, Royal Oak or the surrounding area, give us a call at Fortson Dentistry. You can schedule a consultation with Fortson Dentistry to learn more about dental implants and how they can restore your smile.