When missing teeth are not replaced, it leads to bone loss, excessive wear and shifting of the remaining teeth, difficulty chewing and speaking, and changes in facial structure that affect your appearance. Solutions like dental bridges involve altering adjacent, healthy teeth and dentures aren’t always comfortable or attractive. Both treatments will still result in bone loss. A dental implant, on the other hand, acts just like your natural tooth and preserves your bone structure, oral health and appearance.
At Lisa Miller Oral Facial Surgery, we’re a leader in Foley dental implants. We have the experience and knowledge to safely and effectively replace missing teeth. To see if you’re a candidate for dental implants, call us at (251) 320-3205 to book a consultation.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is made of titanium – the same material used for artificial joints – and it replaces the tooth’s root structure. The implant is surgically placed in the jawbone and the bone heals and grows around it. A support post (abutment) is then placed on the implant and a new replacement tooth, or a crown, is secured on top. Or, if you’re missing all of your lower or upper teeth, we can use dental implants to secure specialized dentures in place.
Unlike with a dental bridge, no healthy teeth are damaged when we use dental implants. Additionally, the jaw remains healthy and strong and the dental implants can last a lifetime. You’ll be able to smile, laugh, speak and chew with confidence.
Benefits of Dental Implants
01. Long Lasting and Comfortable
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. They’re comfortable and stable.
02. Improves Appearance
Dental implants preserve the jawbone, which prevents facial collapse and makes you look more youthful.
03. Restores Function
Dental implants create a strong foundation for replacement teeth. They will function just like your natural teeth.
Treatment Considerations
Dr. Miller relies on cutting-edge technology and is able to place single-stage dental implants. These implants don’t require a second procedure to uncover them. In some cases, she can even place an implant at the same time as the tooth extraction to further minimize the number of appointments needed.
Once Dr. Miller completes your dental implant surgery, you’ll heal for about 12 weeks to allow the implant to fuse with the bone before your permanent prosthesis (replacement tooth) is placed. Dental implant surgery is a team effort between Dr. Miller and your cosmetic dentist. She performs the initial extraction, actual implant placement and, if necessary, bone grafting. Your dentist then fits and creates your temporary and permanent prosthesis. When the process is over, you’ll have a new tooth that looks and functions just like a natural tooth.
Whether you have aesthetic or oral health concerns, we’ve got you covered. Schedule a visit to meet with our Foley oral surgeon.