Frequently asked questions about dental implant placement and restorations.
Dental implants continue to become popular as one of the best tooth replacement options because of their many benefits. Their ability to replace one, several, or all teeth makes them a highly desirable solution for tooth loss and extraction. Dr. Edward Liu and the team at Dr. Edward Liu Sedation and Implant Dentistry regularly see patients in the Holt, Michigan, area who have questions about dental implants and help answer them and assist in deciding if they are a good fit for implants or should consider alternatives.
What is a dental implant?
Dr. Liu describes dental implants as tooth root replacements. These artificial restorations are often made of titanium, a unique metal biocompatible to the human body. The implant is attached to the jawbone to stimulate bone growth to fuse it in place, giving it a strong and sturdy foundation. Then, the abutment is placed on top of the implant and restored using false teeth such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. Replacing missing teeth with implants is a highly desirable solution for many of our patients in Holt, Michigan.
Does the placement of dental implants hurt?
Oral surgery is necessary to place the dental implant in the jawbone. However, this procedure is only performed with proper anesthetics and sedation to reduce or even eliminate discomfort during and after the treatment. Patients find that over-the-counter pain medications are effective at managing discomfort as the area heals after their procedure.
What are the implant placement and restoration steps at the office of Dr. Edward Liu?
The implant posts are made of titanium and other biocompatible materials. They are surgically inserted into the specific sockets that remain after teeth have been extracted or lost. The body accepts the implant, causing the jawbone to wrap around the implant to create a tooth root replacement.
Once a dental implant is in place, the restoration to be used over the implant is also placed. The portion of the dental implant above the gumline has an abutment used to attach a custom dental crown, bridge, or even a full denture to restore the entire smile after tooth loss and extractions.
Who might consider implant-supported dentures?
Patients who struggle with ill-fitting dentures and appliances may want to ask about using dental implants to stabilize them. This eliminates the need for suctions, adhesives, clasps, or crowned teeth. It is an excellent solution for those who want to improve their quality of life with improved oral appearance and function while maintaining the natural bone of the jaw that might otherwise deteriorate.
What risk factors might keep a patient from restoring their smile with dental implants?
Most patients are proper candidates for dental implants. However, certain risk factors may reduce the patient’s success rate of placement and maintenance of their implants.
Some of the risk factors that Dr. Edward Liu will take into consideration when assessing a patient for dental implants include:
- Smoking/smokeless tobacco use
- Patients with diabetes
- Insufficient bone
- Location of the implant
- Medications taken by the patient
- Conditions such as bruxism (clenching and grinding)
- Poor oral hygiene and hygiene habits
How long does a dental implant last?
Most of our patients choose dental implants as they are a more permanent option for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants often last a lifetime as long as patients maintain regular appointments with their dentist and take good care of them daily with proper oral hygiene. Though a more expensive option when compared to alternatives, the longevity of implants makes them an affordable solution in the long run for most patients–especially those with dental insurance coverage to help with the out-of-pocket costs.
How do I find out more about implants?
Holt, MI, area patients ready to discuss the possibility of placing dental implants to restore their smiles are encouraged to call (517) 699-2985 to request an appointment with our providers at Dr. Edward Liu General and Implant Dentistry.
The office is located at 2123 Aurelius Road and serves new and current patients in the community.
