What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal posts or frames surgically inserted into the jawbone beneath the gums, and they can provide a range of uses for improving or restoring your smile. Once in place, they allow your dentist to secure replacement teeth onto them, which is their most common use. Dental implants provide a secure and stable foundation for artificial teeth that look, feel, and function much like natural teeth. At West First Dental in Cedar Falls, we provide patients with custom-made implants in a state-of-the-art dental facility for quality results. Our goal is to help you get back your smile and enjoy the path toward doing so.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Look and feel like real teeth and a natural part of your smile
- Improved comfort levels for speaking and chewing
- Durability and stability for years
- Improved oral health and preserve the shape of your jaw
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
The decision to get dental implants is a personal one, and your dental specialist can help you decide if they’re right for you. It’s important to keep in mind that dental implants require surgical placement into the jawbone and are not suitable for everyone. Your doctor will be able to provide more information about your candidacy and determine if any other tooth replacement options are better suited to your needs. In every case, we take the time to fully understand what you need and find a solution that provides an optimal solution for your tooth loss. Whether that is dental implants, bridges, or dentures, we are here every step of the way to provide professional, friendly care.
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What's the Process for Getting Dental Implants?
The process for getting dental implants requires several steps and may take several months to complete. It begins with a consultation, during which our team will evaluate your oral health and discuss the implantation process with you in detail. Once it’s determined that you are an ideal candidate for dental implants, we can schedule the surgery and take impressions of your teeth. These impressions allow us to manufacture a custom-made crown to fit in with your natural teeth.
After your surgery is complete, the implant will be allowed to heal and integrate with your jawbone before the abutment or post is attached. Finally, a replacement tooth is secured on top of the post for an attractive smile restoration.
Will I Need a Bone Grafting Procedure?
In some cases, dental implants may require a bone grafting procedure if there is not enough natural jawbone to support the implant. During this procedure, bone material is added to the jaw for a solid foundation for your implants, gradually building up enough mass for you to have a successful implant procedure. We can use a specialized type of bone replacement material that greatly reduces healing time and discomfort, producing impressive results.
How Long Does It Take?
The length of a dental implant process can vary from person to person, but typical treatment times range between four and six months. Healing time also varies depending on the individual, as well as any other factors such as gum health or existing medical conditions. Our team will provide more accurate estimates of the time it will take for you to have your implants placed and what to expect at every step in the process.
Schedule Your Visit Today
Dental implants offer an attractive, long-lasting solution for missing teeth and can help you enjoy improved oral health and a beautiful, natural smile. To find out more about the process and if dental implants are right for you, contact West First Dental today to schedule your consultation. Our team provides friendly care in a comfortable environment, helping to make sure you have a positive experience that leaves you smiling.