Is a Dental Implant Right for Me?
At Black Hills Area Dental, we believe that no one should have to lose confidence in their smile due to a missing tooth. At our office, we provide exceptional dental implant services to patients looking to restore their smile and confidence.
Implants are surgical grade titanium posts that are surgically placed beneath your gums to replace the roots of teeth that have been extracted in the past. After placement, the implants fuse to the bone and act as artificial tooth roots. Replacement teeth – that can be either removable or non-removable – are then attached to the implants.
What are the benefits of implants?
As part of a thorough evaluation, Dr. Samuelson will check the condition of your mouth, the supporting bone in your jaws and the way your upper and lower teeth fit together. He may gather additional information by taking dental X-rays or making models of your teeth to make sure that dental implants are the best treatment plan for you.
We find that patients have many questions about dental implants, and we are happy to answer them! Please give our office a call to learn more about the dental implant process and if a dental implant may be right for you.
What to Expect When Getting Dental Implants
Initial Consultation and Treatment Plan
The initial consultation allows your dentist to examine your oral health and take x-rays of your teeth. They’ll also discuss your medical history and use the information to determine your suitability for dental implants. If found suitable, the dentist will create a treatment plan, which outlines the steps in the procedure and the equipment and medication to be used.
Implant Placement and Healing Period
Once the treatment plan is ready, the dentist will create an incision in the gums, revealing the bone tissue beneath. Next, they’ll use a dental drill to create a hole inside the jawbone to house the implant. Next, they’ll place the implant in the hole and suture the gums. Over the next few months, the bone will fuse with the implant via a process called osseointegration.
Abutment Healing and Final Restoration
Once osseointegration concludes, the dentist will schedule an appointment to place the abutment and final restoration on the implant. They’ll begin by opening the suture to show the implant. Next, they’ll screw the abutment to the implant and place the prosthetic restoration on top. Lastly, they’ll release you with instructions for promoting healing and caring for the implants.
What We Offer
Placements
Implant placement refers to the surgical procedure in which the implant is placed in the jaw. We offer sedation in addition to local anesthesia to ensure a smooth, painless procedure. Our implants are made from high-grade, biocompatible titanium with high compressive strength that will last for decades and can support a variety of restorations.
Maintenance
Once your implant has been placed and restored, you’ll return for regular cleanings and checkups, during which we will assess your overall oral health, including your dental implants. While implants can last for decades, or even a lifetime, they sometimes require some level of maintenance. Restorations in particular will need to be replaced periodically due to regular wear and tear.
Restorations
Implant restorations are the visible part of a dental implant, and come in a variety of forms, including dental crowns, implant-supported bridges, and even full-arch options to replace an entire set of teeth.
Single-Tooth Implants
Our single-tooth implants are beneficial for patients missing an individual tooth. The dentist will embed a titanium implant into your jaw that holds a dental crown. The implant will function as the tooth’s root, while the crown will be custom-crafted to blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Full Arch Implants
Full-arch implants, on the other hand, replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Patients can choose between fixed full-arch implants or removable implant-retained dentures.
Contact us today to learn more about our dental implant services and to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists.
What might prevent me from being a candidate?
There are some medical factors that might prevent a person from being a good candidate for dental implants. Some of these may be uncontrolled diabetes, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, parathyroid disorders, blood disorders, rare bone disorders or bone marrow cancer. Some physical factors may include insufficient or poor quality bone, low sinuses or nerve bundles.
Since smoking can hinder the healing process, this can also prevent you from being a candidate. Dr. Samuelson will work with you to determine if this is the case.
Is there an age limit for dental implants?
No. Any person at any age can have dental implants as long as there is enough bone available in which to place the implants. The office will not place implants on a child unless they have adult dentition.
How often do the implants need to be checked?
Our staff will provide you the care you need to maintain your implants. The hygienists at our office are trained in the specific procedure of cleaning and caring for implants. Also, brushing and flossing daily is absolutely necessary for long-term success.
Is the dental implant surgery painful?
No. An effective local anesthetic is used during the surgery so that you do not have any discomfort during the placement of the implants. The mild discomfort you might experience after surgery can be controlled with medications.
When can I return to work after surgery?
You can go to work the next day, unless some particular surgical circumstance arises. The staff & Dr Samuelson will discuss all postoperative instructions with you.