Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root made of titanium alloy. Our dentists may recommend a dental implant if you recently lost a tooth due to injury or decay. We embed the implant into the jaw to prevent bone loss and to later support an abutment and crown. The implant, abutment, and crown fit together to give you the look and function of a natural tooth.
Candidates for Dental Implants
To be a candidate for the dental implant procedure, you’ll need a few key health factors:
- Healthy gums and a strong immune system.
- Sufficient jawbone density to support the dental implants. If not, our dentists may recommend a bone graft first.
- It helps greatly if you are a non-smoker, as smoking hinders the body’s ability to heal after surgery.
Our dentists will need to evaluate your oral health before determining if you’re a candidate for dental implants.
What to Expect During the Procedure
If you’re determined to be a candidate, we’ll set up a date for the procedure. The process involves several key steps:
- The dentist will administer anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort.
- The dentist will access the jawbone by cutting through the gum tissue.
- The tooth implant (titanium rod) will be inserted into the jawbone.
- The implant will fuse with your jawbone over the next several months in a process called osseointegration.
- Once fusion is complete, we’ll place the abutment and a custom crown over your dental implant to complete the restoration.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer superior stability and long-term health benefits compared to other tooth replacement options:
- Prevents Jawbone Deterioration: Unlike dentures, dental implants exert enough pressure on your jaw to keep the bone tissue healthy, preventing the body from reabsorbing minerals in the jawbone. This also helps prevent facial collapse.
- Stability and Confidence: Implants provide more stability, meaning they won’t slip when you eat, talk, and smile, leading to better confidence.
- Natural Look and Feel: Many patients appreciate that dental implants look and feel exactly like natural teeth.
- Full Biting Power: They restore full chewing and biting function, allowing you to enjoy all your favorite foods.
How to Get Started
We are accepting new patients! To request an appointment with Gasior Family Dental, call (248) 348-7997. We’ll set up your consultation with one of our dentists in Northville, MI, so you can ask questions and learn about your next steps.