Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

Dental implants restorations from Craft Dentistry are small titanium posts that replace the roots of missing teeth (see picture).  They are inserted into your jawbone painlessly during a minor surgical procedure that takes place in the dental office.  The implant is allowed time to "integrate" which means fuse to the bone.  After the implant has integrated, a natural looking crown (tooth) is made and attached to the implant.  The tooth feels like one of your own!  It is very natural feeling, is brushed and flossed along with the other teeth, and functions normally.

What are advantages of dental implants?

Dental implants (unlike natural teeth) do not get dental caries (decay) and less likely to have periodontal disease (bone loss).  With good home care and routine cleanings, dental implants are life-long restorations.  They feel and function like your natural teeth.  

Is dental implant surgery painful?

Most people find dental implant surgery easy to tolerate both at the time of placement and healing phase.  Any post-operative discomfort is easily manage with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen.

Are dental implants expensive?

At the outset, implants are more expensive than other tooth restorative processes such as crown and bridges.  But, they last many years longer and in fact, should never require replacement!  This makes dental implants a more cost effective treatment option when looking at the long-term.  

How do I care for my dental implants?

Dental implants are cared for the same as natural teeth.  Brushing, flossing, with regular dental check-ups and cleanings will prevent gum issues, keep stains from occurring, and make your dental implants last life-long.  The implant and implant crown will never get tooth decay.  Proper hygiene is necessary for keeping plaques from sticking to the implant the same as your natural teeth.

Can my body reject a dental implant?  

Implant rejection is not common as implants do not contain living cells or genetically coded material.  Titanium, which implants are made from, is completely biocompatible.  The only way an implant typically fails to integrate into the bone is from infection (by poor oral hygiene) or if the implant is subjected to biting forces to soon.   Implant routinely achieve a success rate of 95%.   

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

There is a good chance you are, but this can only be determined after complete oral examination that includes x-rays of the jaws.  If your interested in dental implants, schedule a consultation with Craft Dentistry and begin the process towards a better smile and bite.  Implants are definitely a large part of dentistry and have changed the game in patient satisfaction and patient care!

Call (785)223-4210 to schedule an Implant Consult today with Dr. Craft and Craft Dentistry.