Dental Implants Specialist

What is a dental implant?

Many adults think dental implants are the next best thing to having natural teeth, and they might be right. When you lose your teeth as a result of a traumatic injury, decay, or an illness, it can hurt your self-esteem. Strong, durable, and aesthetically attractive, dental implants help restore the simple confidence that comes with having natural teeth.

A dental implant is a metal post, often made out of titanium, that a dentist surgically implants into your upper or lower jawbone. This is essentially the root of a new tooth. It's similar in shape to an everyday screw.

After the post is implanted and your mouth has healed, Dr. Whitford at Silver Lake Dentistry will attach the new replacement tooth, or crown, to the metal post permanently. The implants fuse to your jawbone, which makes them incredibly steady and secure.

These screw-like metal posts can also help crowns, bridges, and dentures stay securely attached to your jaw.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Beyond looking, feeling, and functioning like your natural teeth, dental implants offer the following advantages:

• Last longer than other restorative procedures, like dental bridges
• Are a cost-effective way to replace missing teeth
• Help maintain your natural face shape and restore your smile
• Protect your healthy jawbone
• Help keep your surrounding natural teeth healthy
• Improve speech by allowing you to talk without worry
• Don’t slip out of your mouth
• Enhance your ability to chew your favorite foods without pain
• Aren't vulnerable to cavities with an implanted crown
• Offer a time-tested, predictable result for tooth repair

Should I get an implant or a bridge?

In the past, dental bridges have always been the go-to choice for dealing with missing teeth. Fortunately, the dental industry has come a long way in the last few decades.

When it comes to creating dental bridges, your dentist will need to prep the surrounding teeth — removing enamel, etc. — before the bridge can be implemented.

They are essentially fixed into your gums, using crowns to connect your missing tooth to the rest of your remaining teeth.

This entire process is time-consuming, uncomfortable, and ultimately risky if you are looking for a permanent solution.

Dental implants, on the other hand, are extremely durable and made to last a lifetime, allowing you to live your life without worrying about your bridge falling apart.

Because they are permanently fixed into your mouth, dental implants will never fall apart and can even offer protection for the rest of your teeth.

For a permanent, worry-free solution, Dr. Whitford can provide high-quality dental implants to fit your lifestyle.

Are implant-supported dentures the right option for me?

Traditional dentures sit on top of your gums, making them easily removable, but ultimately not a permanent solution.

Implant-supported dentures, however, can be used when a person does not have any teeth in the jaw but does have enough bone to support the implants. They have special attachments that snap perfectly onto the implants for a comfortable, easy fit.

Though implant-supported dentures are still removable and should be cleaned daily, they allow for a better, more stable fit.

Dr. Whitford, once voted the Best Dentist in Cass County, is more than qualified to help create your implant-supported dentures.

Can anyone get dental implants?

If you're missing teeth, you may be an ideal candidate for dental implants. Your gums need to be healthy, and your jaw must be finished growing. Dental implants are not appropriate for kids, as their mouths have not finished growing. However, implants are an exceptional solution for adults.

You may also be a good candidate for implants if you're tired of having dentures that won't stay in place, or if you're ready to replace a bridge or partial dentures. Men or women wanting a permanent, lifelong solution to ongoing dental work may be exceptional dental implant candidates. Wondering if dental implants are right for you? Meet with Dr. Whitford to ask questions and learn more about your options.

Call Silver Lake Dentistry to take the first step toward a more confident smile.