Dental Implants FAQ
Boise, ID
 Dental implant placement has become a popular dental procedure for those with one or more missing teeth. Basically, a dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. It is then topped with a dental crown, dental bridge, or denture to restore the function and appearance of the missing teeth. Our team at Water's Edge Dental installs dental implants to improve your bite function and aesthetic look while also promoting your oral health.
There are different types of benefits and many benefits to these oral restorations.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Implants?
There are two main types of dental implants: single-tooth implants and multiple-tooth implants. A single-tooth implant is used to replace one missing tooth. On the other hand, a multiple-tooth implant, also known as an implant-supported bridge, replaces multiple missing teeth.
As compared to a single-tooth implant, where only a single implant post is used, in multiple-tooth implants, several implant posts are placed into the jawbone, and a dental bridge is attached to the top of the implant posts to create a seamless and functional replacement for the missing teeth.
Alternative Implants with Mini Dental Implants
Dental implants depend on the jawbone for stability. After losing a tooth, the jawbone starts to weaken and resorb, reducing the available bone for implant posts to fuse with. Before getting traditional dental implants, you typically need a bone graft to restore the lost bone mass.
Mini dental implants offer a different type of implant that allows you to bypass the need for a bone graft while still gaining the benefits of dental implants. These implants consist of a small titanium post with a ball-shaped end and are particularly useful for replacing teeth in narrow spaces or small teeth. They can also be used to secure dentures, especially those replacing teeth in the lower jaw.
What is the Difference Between the Two?
There are several differences between standard dental implants and mini dental implants, with size being a key distinction. Regular dental implants have a diameter of 3.4 to 5.8 millimeters, whereas mini dental implants are smaller, with a diameter ranging from 1.8 to 3.3 millimeters.
Another significant difference between regular dental implants and mini dental implants lies in their design. Regular dental implants feature titanium posts with a separate abutment, or connector, placed on top. This abutment offers support and stability for ceramic crowns, which are then surgically placed. In contrast, mini dental implants have a titanium post with a ball attached at the end. A socket and elastic O-ring are used to secure the replacement crown onto the ball, providing a different type of attachment and support.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer numerous benefits to those with one or more missing teeth. From improved oral health to enhanced appearance and increased confidence, dental implants provide a permanent and natural-looking replacement for missing teeth.
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Improved Overall Health: Dental implants help maintain jawbone health by stimulating bone growth. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone tissue can start to deteriorate, causing the jawbone to weaken and eventually collapse. Dental implants prevent this by stimulating the jawbone, helping maintain its structure and strength.
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Enhanced Appearance: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. They are designed to match the size, shape, and color of your existing teeth, creating a natural-looking smile. Unlike dentures, a removable replacement for missing teeth, which can shift or slip out of place, dental implants are securely anchored in the jawbone, allowing for a more natural smile.
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Increased Confidence: Dental implants can significantly increase confidence by providing a permanent solution to missing teeth. With missing teeth, speaking, eating, and smiling confidently can be challenging. However, dental implants can restore the natural bite and smile, allowing one to speak, eat, and smile for years to come without any hesitation or self-consciousness. |
What to Expect During the Dental Implant Procedure
At Water's Edge Dental, the dental implant procedure involves several steps, including initial consultation, implant placement surgery, and final restoration.
Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, Dr. Geoffrey Herzog will evaluate your oral health, review your medical history, and discuss treatment options. We may also take x-rays or perform a CT scan to determine the best location for the implant post(s), depending on if it is a single-tooth implant or multiple-tooth implant.
Implant Placement Surgery
The implant placement surgery involves the placement of the implant post into the jawbone. This procedure is typically done under local anesthesia by Dr. Geoffrey Herzog, and most patients experience little to no pain or discomfort during the implant placement procedure.
Final Restoration
After the implant post has been placed, a healing period, typically three to six months, is required to allow the implant to become stable and fuse with the jawbone. Once the implant fully integrates with the jawbone, a final restoration, such as a dental crown or bridge, is attached to the top of the implant post to create a natural-looking and fully functional replacement for the missing teeth.
How To Care for and Maintain Dental Implants
Key maintenance tips include adopting rigorous oral hygiene practices - brushing and flossing every day, using implant-specific cleaning aids, scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings with us every six months, avoiding harmful habits such as using your teeth to open packages or biting on pens, and paying immediate attention to any problems.
Comparing Dental Implants to Other Tooth Replacement Options
While dental implants are often the optimal choice for tooth replacement, other options such as implant-supported dentures, dental bridges, and crowns play vital roles in dental restoration, depending on individual needs and circumstances.
Implant-Supported Dentures and Bridges
Implant-supported dentures and bridges offer enhanced stability and comfort compared to traditional options, reducing the risk of slippage and improving chewing and speech functions.
Traditional Dental Crowns and Bridges
For patients unsuitable for dental implants, traditional crowns and bridges provide viable alternatives for restoring appearance and function, albeit with some limitations compared to implants, such as the need for periodic replacement.
Call Us Today for Dental Implants
To learn more about the dental implant procedure and how it can improve your oral health and enhance your appearance, schedule a consultation with Dr. Geoffrey Herzog, who has years of experience in providing personalized treatment plans with the latest technology to ensure optimal results. For more information, visit Water's Edge Dental or call (208) 391-8554.
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