Dental Implants and Implant Dentures - Restoration Without Sacrifice

When you lose a tooth, it leaves a small space in your smile and a huge gap in your self-confidence. Many adults lose teeth due to tooth decay, gum disease, or injury. A missing tooth can cause bite misalignment, tooth shifting, and bone loss that alters your facial appearance over time. Dental implants are an ideal solution for replacing one or more teeth without harming your remaining healthy teeth. Implants look and perform just like natural teeth, but the advantages extend far beyond their impressive appearance.

The Advantages of Dental Implantation. Often, standard fixed bridges are used to replace single teeth, but they require grinding down healthy supporting teeth. A dental implant is stabilized by the jawbone, so it doesn’t involve adjacent teeth. Because implants integrate with the living bone, they help it stay healthy and intact, and prevent bone loss. With bridges, bone that previously surrounded the tooth deteriorates. Bridges are also associated with aesthetic problems. Gums typically recede around a bridge, leaving an unpleasant visible defect. Cement that secures the bridge can wash out and allow bacteria to attack and decay the anchoring teeth. Like implant-supported bridges, implant-supported full and partial dentures don’t compromise the health of adjacent teeth, and they never slip or make noise like standard removable dentures.

The Steps of Dental Implant Surgery. Dental implant surgery usually requires several procedures over the course of six to nine months. The first step is placement of a titanium screw into the jawbone. The implant is covered with gum tissue and allowed to fuse with the bone for a period of two to six months. Next, the implant is uncovered and an extension called an abutment is attached. After a short healing period, a custom-made crown created to look like your natural tooth is cemented into place, completing your implant procedure. 



Finding the Best Dental Implants for Your Smile. Every patient has different needs, so your procedure may not be exactly the same as what is described above. When conditions allow, some steps may be combined. Your dentist will evaluate your case, and determine the best treatment plan for you.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in Flint, call Family Dental Group today at (810) 515-8952 or make an appointment.

Family Dental Group offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Flint. With 4 affiliated practices throughout Flint, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Family Dental Group, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Family Dental Group.