Dental Implants
Services . Dental Implants
Maple Grove Dentistry
Dental Implants
Dental Implants
During the last 20 years, dental implants have become the preferred method for replacing missing teeth. If you are missing one or more of your teeth, dental implants can restore natural-looking full form and dental function to your mouth. Excellent success rates in implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures give dentists a variety of new ways to treat and replace lost teeth.
Depending on the extent of your tooth loss, Dr. Jensen can evaluate your case and tell you if you are a candidate for dental implants. Having taken multiple post-graduate courses to obtain dental implant training, Dr. Jensen is prepared to safely and efficiently place dental implants. Dr. Jensen is also passionate about practicing gentle dentistry techniques and sedation dentistry in order to provide his patients with the best care possible.
Additionally, to stay current on the latest in dental implant technology, Dr. Jensen is a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
To learn more about dental implants, call our Boise dental office today at 208-853-2221 to schedule an implant consultation with Dr. Jensen.
What Is A Dental Implant?
Structurally, a dental implant is a titanium-based cylinder similar to a small screw that replaces the missing tooth root. Dr. Jensen will surgically place the titanium post in your jawbone by making an incision in the top of your gum tissue where the missing tooth once was.
After four to six months, once the post has fused to your natural bone tissue, Dr. Jensen will carefully place a custom-made crown (cap) over the titanium post to match the natural look of your smile. If you are missing multiple teeth, implants can also be used to secure multiple crowns, a dental bridge, or support full or partial dentures in order to dramatically improve retention and stability.
Every treatment is different and requires proper design, placement and restoration. When you meet with Dr. Jensen, he will go over all the options available to you and help you decide which treatment plan is best for you. There is no fee for a consultation or a second opinion at Maple Grove Dentistry.
Dental Implant Candidacy
Most patients with adequate bone mass and a strong immune system can have implants, although it varies among individuals. During your consultation, you can expect an x-ray and CT-scan to be performed in order to determine if you have enough bone to place the implant. This will also help Dr. Jensen verify the size and type of implant that should be placed.
Dr. Jensen will also review your medical history and perform a full dental examination to confirm you are not experiencing any symptoms of periodontal disease (gum disease). Before beginning the dental implant procedure, it is important that you are in good overall physical health, willing to give up smoking, and committed to implementing a good oral hygiene regimen.
If you are struggling with any of the below issues as a result of missing teeth, you may be a good candidate for dental implants:
- Poor digestion
- Problems with chewing and speaking
- Low self-esteem
- Jaw pain
- Looking for a permanent solution to dentures
Benefits Of Dental Implants
We understand that deciding whether a dental implant is right for you is a big decision. One of the greatest benefits you will experience is an overall improved quality of life, especially when pain and missing teeth have continually been an issue for you. Outlined below are some other benefits you can expect when choosing dental implants to replace your missing teeth:
Renew your appearance
Implants can fill out your mouth, lips, and cheeks where there were once multiple missing teeth.
Boost your confidence
Because implants are designed to permanently match the natural look of your missing teeth, your smile can be restored. Smiling not only improves your appearance, but improves your self-esteem and overall quality of life.
Improve your speech
You will notice immediate ease in speaking once your dental implants have been placed.
Restore your dental function
Dental implants will restore your healthy bite, allowing you to chew food properly so you can enjoy your favorite foods and improve your digestion.
Improve your oral health
Dental implants can prevent long-lasting negative effects to your remaining healthy teeth, such as misalignment, jawbone recession, and TMJ disorder.
Dental Implants Vs. Dentures And Bridges
Although dental implants can be a more expensive approach to restoring missing teeth, when compared to fixed bridges and removable full and partial dentures, implants offer numerous advantages:
Better esthetics
Since implants are placed in the gum similar to the way a natural tooth is supported, they offer a more realistic and natural look.
Reduction of bone resorption
When a tooth is lost, the supporting bone structure gradually recedes. Placing an implant in that empty space significantly reduces the speed of bone resorption and provides stability for this valuable tissue.
Retention and Convenience
Patients who have experienced removable full or partial dentures know that keeping their dentures in place is always a challenge. Dental implants offer a great improvement to denture retention for all patients. In some cases, the denture can be secured to a group of implants with special screws that completely stabilizes the denture.
Preserving natural tooth structure
Often the preferred method of replacing a single missing tooth is a bridge. Bridges require extra preparation for the surrounding teeth to ultimately connect three or more teeth. This negatively impacts your health by making the task of retaining your teeth more difficult and by often requiring the destruction of existing tooth structure to create room for the new bridge. An implant is mostly an independent unit and does not negatively affect the adjacent teeth.
Durability
Compared to dentures and bridges, dental implants are very durable and long-lasting. Implants can last a lifetime if you practice good oral hygiene and take good care of your appliance.
Dental Implant Care
Caring for your dental implants is much like caring for your natural teeth. It is important that you practice good oral hygiene, which includes brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. A Waterpik is also recommended for cleaning around dental implants and under implant bridges. Dr. Jensen may advise you to use a special toothbrush and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash in order to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
We also encourage our patients to visit Dr. Jensen every six months for their regular dental check-ups.