Are Dental Implants an Option for You?implant diagram

We all have heard of dental implants . . . but seriously, what is a dental implant? If you need to replace missing teeth, dental implants are posts, or artificial tooth roots that are placed in the jaw bone (upper or lower) to hold a replacement tooth, bridge or denture.  Implants are made of titanium: a strong, lightweight metal that is completely bio-compatible.  Basically, a dental implant is the most natural, longest-lasting, and lowest-maintenance way to replace a missing tooth.

Why Dental Implants?

Implants are the only solution to replace missing tooth roots.  They are a popular and effective way to replace any missing teeth. They are a great choice if you have uncomfortable dentures or not happy with removable partial dentures.  Implants will keep your single tooth, bridge, or denture mounted and secure.  No slipping or shifting!  That is a very important benefit when you are eating and speaking.  Just think of grandma and her denture . . . everyone knew she wore one because it was always moving around in there.   There are no food restrictions. You can still eat all the foods you love with dental implants.  Implants last much longer than bridges, and unlike bridges, they do not require other teeth to be ground down for support. They look and feel like your natural teeth, improve your appearance, preserve your neighboring teeth and jaw bone, and help prevent and minimize bone loss.  Minimizing bone loss is important!  This is the bone that supports your face – without it, cheeks and lips can sink in. This affects the function of your mouth, your appearance and your mental/emotional state. Dental Implants will help preserve the bone after teeth are gone.

Some effects of bone loss are:

  • Premature Aging (collapsed profile, loss of lip support & more wrinkles)
  • Problems with neighboring teeth (misalignment, loosening and loss)
  • Jaw Pain (TMD)
  • Headaches
  • Facial Pain
  • Changes in other facial features
  • Inability to chew and eat comfortably
  • Psychological effects (unhappy with appearance & unhappy with loose dentures, causing people avoid social occasions and being in public)

There are 3 different ways to utilize Dental Implants.  Your unique situation will dictate the type of implant you will need.

  • single tooth crown implantimplant model
  • multiple tooth crown or bridge implant
  • implants to secure loose dentures or partial dentures

Dental Implants are easy to maintain and low-maintenance. Keeping a daily oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing is required. Maintaining your scheduled routine cleanings at Rhoades Family Dentistry will also be part of your maintenance routine.

There is very little pain or discomfort when undergoing the dental implant procedure. Most people take only ibuprofen or tylenol for a day or two, and report that having implants placed causes less sensitivity than even having a filling or a crown placed on a natural tooth.

Implants are one of the biggest advances in dentistry in the past 40 years.  Once you are ready to take your first step toward dental implants, call our office in Olathe, Kansas to set up an appointment.   Dr. Hahn and Dr. Driscoll are experienced with placing and restoring implants and are here for any questions or concerns regarding dental implants.