What Makes Dental Implants Different
Dental implants in Highland, Utah, replace the entire tooth structure from root to crown, unlike other options that only address the visible portion above your gums. An implant consists of three components: a titanium post that’s surgically placed into your jawbone to serve as an artificial root, an abutment that connects the post to the restoration, and a custom crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
This complete replacement approach offers advantages that bridges and dentures simply can’t match. The titanium post integrates with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation that prevents the bone deterioration normally caused by missing teeth. When you lose a tooth, the lack of stimulation from chewing causes the surrounding bone to gradually shrink away. Implants provide the same stimulation as natural tooth roots, maintaining your bone density and preserving your facial structure.
Dental implants also stand alone without requiring support from neighboring teeth. Bridges need adjacent teeth to be filed down to support the restoration, compromising healthy tooth structure. Implants leave your other teeth completely untouched while filling the gap left by the missing tooth.
Who Benefits from Dental Implants
Most adults with missing teeth are good candidates for dental implants, though certain factors affect eligibility. You need sufficient jawbone density to support the implant post, healthy gums free from periodontal disease, and overall good health that allows proper healing after surgery. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or active cancer treatment may require postponing implant placement until health improves.
Dental implants work beautifully for various situations:
- Single tooth replacement when one tooth is lost to decay, injury, or extraction
- Multiple missing teeth replaced with individual implants or implant-supported bridges
- Full arch replacement using implant-supported dentures for patients missing all teeth in one or both jaws
- Stabilizing existing dentures that slip and slide uncomfortably
Age isn’t necessarily a barrier to implants, though younger patients must wait until jaw growth is complete, typically around age 18. Many seniors in excellent health receive implants successfully and enjoy the improved quality of life they provide.
The Dental Implant Process
Receiving dental implants involves several stages spread over a few months, allowing for proper healing between appointments. Understanding the timeline helps you know what to expect throughout your treatment journey.
Initial Consultation and Planning
Your implant journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health. We’ll examine your teeth and gums, take X-rays to assess bone density, and discuss your medical history to identify any factors that might affect treatment. If you need a tooth extracted before implant placement, we’ll develop a timeline that allows the extraction site to heal properly first.
Sometimes patients lack sufficient bone to support an implant, which requires a bone grafting procedure to build up the area before implant placement. This adds time to the overall process but ensures long-term implant success.
Implant Placement Surgery
During the surgical appointment, we’ll numb the area thoroughly to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. The titanium post is precisely positioned in your jawbone at the exact angle and depth needed for optimal results. The surgery itself typically takes an hour or two, depending on how many implants you’re receiving. Most patients report that the procedure is less uncomfortable than they expected, with manageable soreness afterward that responds well to over-the-counter pain relievers.
Healing and Osseointegration
After implant placement, your jawbone needs time to grow around the titanium post and fuse with it securely. This healing period typically lasts three to six months. During this time, you’ll wear a temporary restoration that protects the implant site and maintains your appearance. You can continue eating and functioning normally, though you’ll avoid putting excessive pressure on the healing implant.
Final Restoration
Once osseointegration is complete, you’ll return for the final steps. We’ll attach the abutment to your implant post, then place your custom crown that’s been carefully crafted to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size. The result looks so natural that no one will be able to tell which tooth is your implant.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth—brushing twice daily, flossing carefully around the implant, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. With proper maintenance, implants can last decades or even a lifetime. They don’t decay like natural teeth, though the surrounding gum tissue still needs protection from disease.
Avoid using your teeth as tools, wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night, and protect your implants during contact sports. These simple precautions help ensure your investment provides lasting results.
Restore Your Complete Smile
Ready to replace missing teeth with a permanent solution that looks and feels completely natural? Call Treehouse Dental at (801) 756-2273 to schedule your dental implant consultation with Dr. William Collins, Dr. Beau Seager, and the team. We’ll evaluate your needs, answer your questions, and create a personalized treatment plan that restores your smile’s function and beauty. Discover the joy of a healthy smile at Utah’s trusted family dental clinic!
