Dental Implants

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer numerous benefits, making them an excellent choice for tooth replacement:

• • Natural Appearance: Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result.

• • Improved Functionality: Implants restore the ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without restriction.

• • Durability: Made from strong and durable materials, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.

• • Bone Preservation: Implants help preserve the jawbone by preventing bone loss that typically occurs with missing teeth, maintaining the natural contours of your face.

• • Stability: Unlike traditional dentures, dental implants provide a stable and secure fit, eliminating the worry of slipping or shifting.

• • Oral Health: Dental implants do not require the alteration of adjacent teeth, preserving the integrity of your natural teeth and promoting overall oral health.

The Dental Implant Process

The process of getting dental implants at Dental Partners of Creve Coeur involves several steps to ensure a precise fit and optimal results:

1. 1. Initial Consultation: During your initial consultation, Dr. Singh will evaluate your oral health, discuss your treatment goals, and determine if dental implants are the right solution for you. This may include taking digital X-rays and 3D scans to assess the condition of your jawbone and plan the placement of the implants.
   2. Treatment Planning: Based on the findings from your consultation, Dr. Singh will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan will outline the number of implants required, the type of restoration (crown, bridge, or denture), and the estimated timeline for the procedure.
   3. Implant Placement: The implant placement procedure involves surgically inserting the titanium implants into the jawbone. This is typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. After the implants are placed, a healing period of several months is required to allow the implants to integrate with the jawbone (osseointegration).
   4. Abutment Placement: Once the implants have fully integrated with the jawbone, an abutment (a small connector) is attached to the implant. The abutment serves as the base for the final restoration.
   5. Final Restoration: After the gums have healed around the abutments, impressions are taken to create the custom restoration (crown, bridge, or denture). The restoration is then securely attached to the abutments, completing the implant process and restoring your smile.

Types of Dental Implant Restorations

Dental implants can support a variety of restorations, depending on your specific needs and the number of missing teeth:

• • Single Tooth Implants: A single dental implant is used to replace one missing tooth. The implant is topped with a custom-made crown that matches the color and shape of your natural teeth.

• • Implant-Supported Bridges: For patients missing multiple teeth in a row, implant-supported bridges are an excellent solution. Two or more implants are used to support a bridge, which replaces the missing teeth without the need for adjacent teeth to be altered.

• • Implant-Supported Dentures: Implant-supported dentures provide a stable and secure fit for patients who are missing all or most of their teeth. These dentures can be removable or fixed, offering improved comfort and functionality compared to traditional dentures.

Caring for Your Dental Implants

Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your dental implants. Here are some tips for caring for your implants:

• • Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Pay special attention to the area around the implants to prevent plaque buildup.

• • Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit Dental Partners of Creve Coeur regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Dr. Singh will monitor the condition of your implants and address any issues promptly.

• • Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Be cautious when eating hard or sticky foods that could damage or dislodge your restorations. Avoid chewing on ice, hard candies, and other hard objects.

• • Use a Nightguard: If you grind or clench your teeth, consider using a nightguard to protect your implants and natural teeth from excessive wear.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Dental implants are an excellent solution for many patients with missing teeth. During your consultation, Dr. Singh will assess your specific dental needs and discuss the benefits and potential challenges of getting implants. Ideal candidates for dental implants typically have:

• • One or more missing teeth

• • Sufficient jawbone density to support the implants

• • Healthy gums and overall oral health

• • A commitment to maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits

Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation

If you’re ready to restore your smile and improve your oral health with dental implants, contact Dental Partners of Creve Coeur to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sartaj Singh. Our team is here to provide you with the highest quality care and ensure your smile remains healthy and beautiful. Discover the benefits of dental implants and take the first step towards a complete, confident smile today.