Dental Implants

A Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth

Here at Riverview Dental, we understand that losing a tooth can be a life-changing experience. Whether due to injury, decay, or disease, missing teeth can affect your confidence, oral health, and ability to eat or speak properly. That’s why we offer dental implants, a state-of-the-art solution that provides a permanent, natural-looking replacement for missing teeth.

Dental implants are a durable and long-lasting way to restore your smile, function, and confidence. They are designed to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as a replacement root for a missing tooth. Once the implant is integrated with the bone (a process known as osseointegration), it serves as a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. Implants are the most advanced solution available for tooth loss and offer numerous benefits over traditional options like dentures or bridges.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

1. Natural Look and Feel: Implants are designed to mimic the appearance and function of your natural teeth. Once placed, they blend seamlessly with your smile, offering a discreet and aesthetically pleasing result.
2. Long-Term Solution: Unlike dentures, which may need to be replaced every few years, dental implants are a permanent solution. With proper care, they can last a lifetime.
3. Improved Functionality: Dental implants restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile without the discomfort or limitations of removable dentures.
4. Bone Preservation: When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in that area can begin to deteriorate. Dental implants help prevent bone loss by stimulating the bone just like natural tooth roots do, maintaining the structure of your jaw.
5. No Impact on Surrounding Teeth: Unlike bridges, which require the adjacent teeth to be altered, dental implants don’t affect neighboring teeth. This helps preserve your healthy teeth and ensures they stay intact.
6. Better Oral Health: With dental implants, there’s no need for the messy adhesives or cleaning routines required by traditional dentures. Implants are easy to care for, and they don’t interfere with your oral hygiene habits.

The Dental Implant Process

1. Consultation and Planning The process begins with a consultation where we assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine if dental implants are the right option for you. X-rays and scans may be taken to evaluate your bone structure and ensure there is enough healthy bone to support the implant.
2. Placement of the Implant Once the planning is complete, the dental implant is surgically placed into the jawbone. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable throughout. After placement, the implant will need several months to fully integrate with the bone, which is known as osseointegration.
3. Abutment and Crown Placement After the implant has fused with the bone, an abutment is attached to the implant. This is the connector that holds the custom-designed crown in place. The crown is crafted to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, providing a seamless look.
4. Final Adjustments Once the crown is placed, we will make any final adjustments to ensure your bite is comfortable and the implant looks and functions as it should.

Types of Dental Implants

1. Single Implants If you are missing a single tooth, a dental implant is an excellent solution. It replaces both the tooth root and the crown, providing a strong, permanent restoration.
2. Implant-Supported Bridges If you are missing multiple teeth, an implant-supported bridge may be an option. Implants placed at the ends of the gap support a bridge of several replacement teeth.
3. Implant-Supported Dentures For patients who have lost most or all of their teeth, implant-supported dentures offer a stable and comfortable alternative to traditional removable dentures. Implants are placed to support the denture, making it more secure and allowing for better functionality.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• Permanent Solution: Once placed, implants become a part of your mouth, offering a permanent solution to missing teeth.
• Improved Confidence: Dental implants help restore the natural appearance of your smile, enhancing your self-esteem and confidence.
• Enhanced Comfort: Implants don’t move around like traditional dentures, offering superior comfort and stability.
• Better Chewing and Speaking: Implants function just like natural teeth, allowing you to eat and speak with ease.

The Cost of Dental Implants

The cost of dental implants can vary depending on factors such as the number of implants needed, the complexity of your case, and any additional procedures (like bone grafting). While dental implants may be more expensive than dentures or bridges initially, they offer a long-term solution that can save you money in the future by avoiding the need for frequent replacements.

Take the First Step Towards a Complete Smile

Dental implants offer a permanent and natural-looking solution for missing teeth. If you’re ready to restore your smile, schedule a consultation with us today to learn more about how dental implants can benefit you.