Do you have one or more missing teeth? Do you want to restore the form and function of your smile?
Dental implants are a great option for patients who want a more stable, secure, and confident smile after tooth loss. For a restoration that looks and feels like natural teeth, high-quality dental implants are optimal. An experienced restorative dentist in Mount Pleasant, MI, Dr. Raymond Ribitch places all types of dental implants to replace one missing tooth, a full arch of teeth, or to replace a slipping denture.
Tooth loss can start a slow decline in the condition of your oral health and the function of your bite. Remaining natural teeth may become loose, shift to fill the gaps left by missing teeth, and make it more difficult to chew and speak with confidence. There is an increased risk for gum disease, jaw bone deterioration decay as your tooth position changes over time, sometimes leading to additional tooth loss.
Dental implants reduce these risks and replace missing teeth at their root. They are very versatile restorations in the sense that they may be used to replace any number of missing teeth, and a variety of restorations may be paired with them. Whether you are looking to replace a single missing tooth, a row of missing teeth, or a full arch, dental implants can help to ensure that your restoration is secured and functions well.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Patients who receive dental implants find that they offer many benefits. Dental implants may:
- Improve speech
- Provide durability
- Prevent facial sagging
- Reduce the risk of gum disease
- Provide no risk of slippage
- Improve chewing ability
Treatment with Dental Implants
The process for placing dental implants is multi-phased and begins with the use of digital diagnostics to evaluate the condition of your oral health and jaw structure. Dr. Ribitch works with an oral surgeon who will perform the surgical phase and place the titanium post into a healthy jawbone.
Dental implants consist of a titanium post, abutment, and dental crown. The titanium post is inserted into the jawbone and fuses to bone tissue over a healing period that is generally between three and six months. After this healing period, the abutment and restoration are added to the post. Restoration options include a dental crown, bridge, or dentures. These are custom-made to match the exact color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. Dental implants will blend naturally with remaining natural teeth for an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable smile.
Dental Implant Aftercare
Dental implants are the ideal solution to replace missing teeth, but they require a surgical component. After this surgery, the success of your implant procedure depends on proper aftercare. We’ll provide detailed instructions after we place the implants in your jawbone.
Right after the procedure, you want to rest and gently care for your implants. Use a cold compress to help with any swelling. We’ll prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter solutions to manage pain. Eat soft, cool foods like yogurt or applesauce for the first couple of days. Drink lots of water to keep hydrated and rinse away food particles from the implant site.
You still need to brush your teeth regularly while the implant site is healing. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and don’t make direct contact with the implant site until Dr. Ribitch tells you you can. Don’t use mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as these are harsh and can impact the healing process. Rinse with warm saltwater a few times a day to keep the implant site clean and remove bacteria without irritating the area.
As your recovery continues, you’ll need to pay attention to what you’re eating. Don’t put unnecessary strain on the implant. Crunchy foods like pretzels and or ice can put pressure on the implant, while sticky foods like caramels pull at the implant. Both of these cause pain and discomfort. Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol, as these can negatively impact the healing process, increasing your chance of implant failure.
Though they’re rare, complications can happen. If you have persistent pain that’s not getting better, excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop, or fever symptoms, call us immediately. This could indicate an infection.
Lastly, you have to commit to taking care of your implants for years to come. Implants are designed to last a lifetime, but you have to care for them properly. Brush and floss regularly, and visit our office for checkups at least every six months.
Dental Implant FAQs
Do you have further questions about the dental implant process and how they can be used to restore your smile? Continue reading to find answers to frequently asked questions in our office.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
Dental implants aren’t for everyone. It’s necessary to have enough healthy jawbone to anchor the dental implant. You also have to be in good oral health. If there are issues with gum disease or remaining pieces of teeth, they’ll have to be taken care of before implants can be placed. Certain medications or medical conditions may also make you ineligible for dental implants. Dr. Ribitch will conduct a full examination to determine if implants are the right choice for you.
Why are dental implants considered the best option for missing teeth?
Dental implants are widely regarded as the gold standard for tooth replacement. They’re the only option that replaces the tooth root, giving implants the best stability and helping to stop jawbone deterioration. With implants, you get 100% of your bite function back and don’t have to remove anything from your diet. You can brush and floss like normal, with no change from a normal dental cleaning routine.
Why do dental implants take so long to heal?
Implants have a long healing process because they’re fusing with your jawbone. The process in which implants fuse with the jawbone is called osseointegration. It may take anywhere from three to six months for the implants to fully fuse with the bone. Placing the implants in the jawbone spurs jawbone regeneration, which reverses and reduces the risk of jawbone deterioration(which is very common with missing teeth). This fusing process is necessary to give implants the stability and other benefits that they’re known for.
Schedule A Dental Implant Consultation
Are you looking for affordable dental implants in Mount Pleasant, MI, or surrounding communities? If you have one or more missing teeth and want restorative treatment, contact Dr. Ribitch to schedule an appointment in our Mt. Pleasant dental office at 989-772-1344.
We welcome new patients from Mount Pleasant, Isabella County, and beyond. We work with you to restore the health and beauty of your smile with personalized care. If you have missing teeth due to poor oral health and have been avoiding the dentist for some time, we welcome you to experience the difference in dental care that we have to offer.