Dental Implants

Missing teeth can not only have a dramatic affect on one’s confidence, but also their health. The space caused by missing teeth can become infected with debris and bacteria, causing the other teeth to shift and create eating and speaking difficulties. Dental implants can help improve health and regain confidence, and Dr. Karl can provide dental implant treatments that restore missing teeth and bring smiles back to health.

Dental implants are root devices that support permanent tooth prosthetics. These roots anchor to the bone beneath the gums, and the anchor is fused to the jaw for a sturdy attachment that’s realistic to natural teeth. Once the root is installed, crowns are mounted on top of the implant root, and offer the same functions as natural teeth. Dental implants can prevent bone atrophy in the jaw, and can be used to replace one or more teeth.

Did you know…

That more than 30 million people miss all of their teeth in either one or both of their jaws? The American Academy of Implant Dentistry states that approximately 3 million people have dental implants. Thanks to the increase in dental practices providing implant procedures, at least 500,000 people get implants each year. The prospective of the dental prosthetic market is a constant, increasing avenue for growth, and is predicted to reach $9.71 billion by 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve been experiencing issues with my jawbone, and I have missing teeth. Could I qualify for dental implants?

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your jawbone and teeth, you can qualify for implants if you have sufficient bone support and gums to support the new tooth structure. Today’s dental industry is constantly reviving and testing new methods of restorations, and with these advancements, even those with severe bone problems and tooth issues can find relief through implants.

What is the process for implant restorations?

If you have missing teeth, Dr. Karl will examine your mouth and then will create an impression of your teeth using alginate material or digital impression scanners. Next, Dr. Karl will submit the impressions to the dental lab for fabrication, and during that time, she will clean and disinfect the spaces and then install a metal post into the gum line and screw that post into the jawbone. Throughout this procedure, you will either be sedated or anesthetized and take between one to two hours to complete. Once the bone and gums heal, the crown will be screwed tightly onto the post to avoid movement and looseness.

How do I take care of my implants after treatment?

Some swelling and bruises will occur following the post’s installation, and you will need over-the-counter medications to remove any inflammation or pain you experience during healing. You may need to eat soft foods during the next two weeks that you heal. If you have any concerns about our implant treatment procedures, contact St. Clair Dental today to schedule a consultation.