Dental Implants
Services
Designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth, dental implants are changing lives across the world. Tooth loss is an all-too-common problem nowadays, but patients who receive dental implants will smile with confidence.
Top Tier Treatments
Our board certified doctor, Ken Baldwin, DDS and his team are proud to offer the following services available under an OMS license.
- Wisdom Teeth
- Anesthesia and Sedation
- Tooth Extraction
- Dental Implants
- Grafting
- Orthognathic Surgery
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental Implants are natural looking tooth implants with tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. With dental implants, you can smile your best smile while eating virtually anything.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
AduIts missing one or more individual teeth are viable candidates for the dental implants procedure. Ideal candidates will also have healthy gum tissue and jaw bones that are able to support the implants. Adolescents may be able to receive dental implants if their jawbone is fully developed, which is usually around ages 16 to 18. Most doctors will also recommend that patients be in good health overall. Dental implants are not recommended for smokers.
What to Expect
Initial Consultation
Patients will request an appointment and can expect to hear back from our staff in a timely manner. For the first appointment, our staff will go over your medical history and look at the area needing treated. During the appointment, patients will go over treatment options. Our doctor will determine during this time whether dental implants are the right choice for the patient. If not, Dr. Baldwin may go over alternative treatments that we offer at our practice. Following this visit, a surgery date will be schedule by our front office staff.
Surgical Procedure
Once the date is in the books, patients will arrive for the treatment. We recommend having somebody drop off and pick up the patient due to anesthesia or any other sedation that may be administered. Patients and their families can expect the procedure to take around 1 to 2 hours total. This includes time for anesthesia as well as dressing the patient for a sterile surgical environment. The dentist makes a cut in your gums to place the implant into the jawbone in the location of your missing tooth. Once it's placed, the dentist closes the gums over the implant so that it remains covered.
Recovery
Patients can expect the healing process to take 2 to 4 months. After the implants are placed, you may experience some bruising, swelling, minor bleeding, and pain. You may be advised to eat soft foods, cold foods, and warm soup while you're healing. To help with any pain, your dentist will probably suggest over-the-counter medications, including Advil (ibuprofen). Dental implants typically require the same dental hygiene as your regular teeth. To keep them healthy, brush your teeth twice a day, floss, and see your dentist for regular follow-up appointments.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Replacing teeth that are missing or damaged can change your life for the better. Dental implants offer benefits that are not necessarily available with other treatment options. Many patients ask about dental implants when they come to see us. Here’s a few reasons why:
01
Natural Appearance
No one except you and your dentist will know which teeth are implants. Dental implants come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. We work with patients to design implants that match the color of surrounding teeth and fit the gap perfectly.
02
No Cavities
Artificial teeth still need to be cared for to prevent bacteria from building up in your mouth and causing infections, but the material that dental implants are made of can’t decay. You’ll never have to worry about getting cavities in your dental implants!
03
Bite Restoration
Dental implants are anchored into your jaw with a titanium post. This post replaces the tooth root and allows you to bite with almost the same amount you could with your natural teeth. Other tooth replacement options are not anchored in place.
04
Easy Maintenance
Dental implants will not require you to buy any additional products to help take care of them. You will not need any cups, cleansing tablets, special flossers, or adhesive. Following the procedure, patients brush and floss the way they would with natural teeth.
05
Bone Loss Prevention
When you lose teeth, you also tend to lose bone mass in your jaw. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that also replaces that jaw bone stimulation, helping to prevent bone loss.
06
Supports Adjacent Teeth
Gaps in the mouth caused by a missing tooth can affect the surrounding teeth. Misalignment is common for people suffering from tooth loss. Dental implants fill the gap and allow you to maintain a straight, even smile.
Looking for Help?
We know that you have questions and are ready to answer them! Our experienced team believes in transparency and will always talk through your options.