66% of adults over 35 have at least one missing tooth. It’s scary, overwhelming and confusing. We can help, with dental implants!
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone to hold a dental prosthesis, such as a crown, bridge or denture.
They are designed to mimic the natural tooth root, providing a stable and strong base for the replacement tooth.
Dental implants are a popular solution for those who have lost one or more teeth due to decay, injury or gum disease. By integrating with the jawbone, they are a secure and long lasting way to restore your smile and function.
Types of Dental Implants
There are several types of dental implants:
| • | Single Tooth Implants: For one missing tooth. |
| • | Multiple Tooth Implants: For several missing teeth. |
| • | All-on-4 Implants: For a full arch of teeth with just 4 implants. |
| • | Fixed Dentures: A permanent and stable solution that feels and supports like natural teeth. |
| • | Implant Supported Dentures: A modern solution that’s more stable and comfortable than traditional dentures. |
Each type of implant is designed for a specific purpose so there’s one for every patient’s situation.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have many advantages over dentures and bridges.
One of the biggest is longevity; with proper care and maintenance dental implants can last for many years making them a cost effective solution in the long run.
Unlike dentures, implants help preserve the jawbone and prevent bone loss which can make you look younger. Also dental implants improve oral health by making it easier to clean around the implant and reduce the risk of gum disease.
They also provide a natural looking and feeling solution, boost confidence and self esteem by looking and feeling like natural teeth.
Dentures rely on suction or adhesives to stay in place and are uncomfortable as they shift in the mouth and put pressure on the gums when you chew.
What You Need to Know About Implants
Not all implant placement is the same. Dr. Watkins specializes in Restoratively Driven Implant Placement.
| • | This means that we work from the end result (the tooth) backwards. We plan and place our implants to line up with the tooth not just where the bone is located. This allows for a more natural looking tooth in the end and better long-term prognosis for the implant. |
| • | Proper evaluation, diagnosis, imaging, and planning is essential to long-term implant success. We plan our implant placement in 3D with a Cone beam CT scan, and place our implants with a guide. This takes the guesswork out of placing the implant and allows for more accurate implant placement.
Denture implants can be a cost effective solution that prevents jawbone deterioration, improves oral health and quality of life. All of these components will be evaluated in our examination and implant planning to make sure we have enough of everything for a healthy implant to last a lifetime. If any of these areas are deficient we can address and correct the deficiency. |
Before Implants 
After Implants
Before Implants 
After Implants 
Before Implants 
After Implants
Before Implants 
After Implants | • | Digital scanning (digital impressions) |
| • | Minimal radiation dental Cone Beam CT Scan in our office |
| • | 3D printer to plan and print models of your teeth and our surgical guides here in the office. |
3 Key Components to Implant Health
| • | Gum tissue: covers and supports the bone |
| • | Bone: Holds the implant |
| • | Space: room between the roots and the opposing tooth |
All of these components will be evaluated in our examination and implant planning to make sure we have enough of everything for a healthy implant to last a lifetime.
If any of these areas are deficient we can address and correct the deficiency.
The Implant Procedure
The implant procedure involves several steps:
| • | Consultation: The process starts with a thorough exam of the patient to see if they are a good candidate for implants. |
| • | Surgery: The implant is placed into the jawbone where it will be the new root for the replacement tooth. |
| • | Healing: After surgery the implant is given time to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone, a process called osseointegration. |
| • | Abutment: Once the implant is fully integrated an abutment is attached to the implant to support the prosthetic tooth. |
| • | Prosthetic Tooth: Finally the custom prosthetic tooth is attached to the abutment and the restoration is complete. |
Implant Care
Proper care and maintenance is key to implant longevity. Here’s what to do:
| • | Brush and Floss: Keep the implant and surrounding teeth clean with regular oral hygiene practices. |
| • | Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor the implant and bone health. |
| • | No Tobacco: Tobacco use can cause implant failure so avoid smoking or using other tobacco products. |
| • | Avoid Hard Foods: Stay away from hard foods like ice and hard candy that can damage the implant. |
By following these tips you will keep your implants healthy and they will continue to be a reliable and beautiful solution for your missing teeth.
Getting an implant does not need to be confusing, painful, or intimidating.
We will take the time to educate you on the process and your individual needs. We are experts in our field and will walk you through the process. Our implant procedures are done in our office with conscious IV sedation and our techniques and care minimize post op discomfort.
Whether you are missing one tooth, multiple, or all. We can design a plan that fits best with your lifestyle and budget. Give us a call at (480) 504-0506 to schedule a consultation.
Learn more about dental implants.