Dental Implants
It is estimated that over 50 million Americans are missing one or more of their teeth due to genetics, tooth decay, advanced periodontal disease or accidents. If you are one of these people, you may have difficulty chewing, speaking, or even smiling. A dental implant or restoration may be the best way to restore that functionality and smile again.
Implants can also improve your dental health in other ways by:
- Filling the hole the tooth root occupied (this helps prevent bacteria and food particles from becoming trapped there)
- Stimulating the bone and helping prevent bone loss
- Preventing the necessity of having healthy teeth cut down for crowns or bridges
A dental implant is a titanium implant that mimics the tooth’s root. It is placed in the jawbone and behaves as if it were your normal tooth.
Dental implants are a much better treatment option than a dental bridge, and they cost much less in the long run. The implant does not rely on crowns being put on healthy adjacent teeth; nor is it limited by how long a span it can cover. Dental implants are the longest lasting dental restoration available today.
Diagram of an implant tooth between two natural teeth
When is an implant indicated?
- When one or more teeth are missing
- When dentures or bridge work require support
Advantages over other Dental Restorations
- Natural Look & Feel- Implants mimic a natural tooth in the way it feels and functions.
- Prevention of Bone Resorption- Implant placement prevents bone resorption in the surrounding area.
- No Additional Cleaning- Implant care is identical to that of a natural tooth, just brushing and flossing.
- Added Confidence- A dental implant is secure and immovable.
Disadvantages
- Insurance Coverage – Your insurance may not cover the entire cost of your dental implant.
- Additional Visits – Dental implants require more dental visits for placement than other dental restorations.
- Healing Delay – Depending on the quality of bone, a period of time may be necessary for healing of the area before a dental crown can be placed on your dental implant.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Any individual in good overall health could be a good candidate for a dental implant. Your dentist will determine whether you have enough bone support and the spacing required for a dental implant.
Implants are the most natural dental restoration for the replacement of a missing tooth. When cared for properly, they will last a lifetime.
Dr. DiStefano and Dr. Nguyen offer a variety of dental implant services that enable us to meet the individual dental needs of our patients in the Lansing area:
Placement of implants: Depending on your specific situation, Dr. DiStefano or Dr. Nguyen can perform a root form dental implant.
Implant-retained dentures: If you are unable to wear regular dentures for any reason, or don’t want to live with the hassle and discomfort of them, attaching dentures to implants is a great solution.
" The dental procedures we specialize in enhance our
patients' look and their quality of life! "
If you are located in the Lansing, Michigan area and think a dental implant and restoration is the solution that will help you find your smile again, don't hesitate to contact us for an initial consultation! We take pride in utilizing the most advanced techniques in cosmetic dentistry to improve our patients' appearance and lives.
