Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants can replace a missing or completely damaged tooth.  The implants themselves are constructed of titanium metal “roots” that are surgically inserted into the jawbone after the damaged tooth and root are removed. After recovery and time for healing, and once the titanium roots are firmly attached to the jawbone, a replacement ceramic or porcelain crown is fastened to the metal root.

Dental implants are extremely stable, and strong enough to last many years. In fact, dental implants can last up to 50 years with regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups every 6 months.

Dental implants are a perfect solution to replacing missing teeth, and unlike dentures, they provide a permanent solution for a comfortable, natural, and healthy-looking tooth or set of teeth.  The implant crown is screwed onto the titanium root and is custom made to look exactly like your own natural teeth. While the titanium root lasts a lifetime, the crown, however, usually lasts about 10 to 15 years before it may need to be replaced due to everyday wear and tear.

Because of the material they are constructed with, dental implants resist decay, discoloration, or staining, and are designed to preserve the adjacent healthy teeth and your jawbone.

Dental implants are designed to act like natural teeth.  Thus, they need to be treated with the same care.  Daily brushing and flossing are a must. Brushing with a soft toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also necessary to keep all your teeth healthy and strong.

Dental Implant Pros:

• Dental implants can last forever. The titanium roots are durable and can handle lifelong wear and tear. The crowns can easily be replaced after 10 to 15 years. You can replace one tooth or as many teeth as needed.

• Dental implant technology has been developed and improved year after year and is now considered state-of-the-art dental technology. At Brookside Family Dentistry, we have a success rate that makes this dental implant option the most proven and effective procedure in today’s dental profession.
• Dental implants can improve your appearance. They give you a better smile, more confidence, and aesthetic appeal.
• Unlike dentures, there is no risk that they will fall out or move when you’re eating or talking. Also, unlike dentures, they cannot be removed, so regular cleaning and flossing will keep them maintained just like your normal teeth.
• Dental implants replace the natural roots of your teeth, stimulating bone growth in your jawbone and preserving the bone that is still in your mouth.

Dental Implant Cons:

• Dental implants require oral surgery. Although it’s a minor outpatient procedure, some patients are uncomfortable with the idea of oral surgery. As with any other surgeries, an extremely small percentage (2%) of patients may risk infection or nerve damage.
•  The porcelain crown will most likely wear out, especially on the bite surface, and may need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years or so.
• If you have gum disease or lack of healthy jawbone, it’s nearly impossible to implant the titanium “roots” on which the crown is installed. While a bone graft is possible, it will add to the expense and time it takes to complete this dental implant procedure. Also, some systemic conditions are contraindications for placement of dental implants.
• Dental implants are the most expensive of cosmetic dental procedures. It is time-consuming, it has a somewhat longer recovery time due to the oral surgery, and it can take several months for the entire implant procedure to be completed over multiple appointments.

Working together, hand in hand with our patients and staff, Dr. Kyle offers state-of-the-art cosmetic dental options to all our patients as needed, in a comfortable, safe, and totally professional environment.

If you choose to have dental implants, we are here to provide you with all the information you need and the answers to all your questions so that you can make the decision that’s right for you. Even as we’ve grown our practice here in Brookside, we continue to hold our team to the highest standards.  Our #1 goal is Patients always come first.