Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials, such as titanium, that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to help replace missing teeth. Once placed, they provide a sturdy foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth designed to match the natural teeth. This is due to the bone fusing with the implant through osseointegration, ensuring a secure and stable fit.

The benefits of dental implants include improved appearance, as they look and feel like natural teeth; enhanced speech and comfort, eliminating the discomfort of removable dentures; easier eating, as they function like natural teeth; improved oral health, as they do not require altering adjacent teeth; and increased durability, often lasting a lifetime with proper care. Dental implants in Lexington, KY, also help maintain facial structure by preventing bone loss in the jaw, which can occur after teeth are lost. 

Who Can Benefit From Dental Implants?  

• People who have lost one or more teeth due to decay, injury, or periodontal disease can greatly benefit from dental implants. Implants are a stable and permanent solution that closely mimics the look and function of natural teeth, preventing adjacent teeth from shifting and maintaining the dental arch's integrity.  

• Those who currently wear dentures but find them uncomfortable or unstable can find dental implants a game-changer. Implant-supported dentures exhibit improved stability, eliminating the issues of slipping or clicking that can occur with traditional dentures. This provides greater confidence when eating, speaking, and smiling.  

• Dental implants restore full chewing power, enabling individuals to eat foods that might be difficult with missing teeth or loose dentures. This can improve nutrition and overall health and enhance meal enjoyment.  

• Dental implants can help stimulate and preserve the jawbone, preventing further bone loss that often accompanies missing teeth. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced bone resorption and want to maintain the structure and appearance of their faces. 

• Dental implants are a durable and permanent option for those seeking a long-term solution to tooth loss. Unlike other tooth replacement methods, which may need to be replaced or adjusted over time, implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. 

• Dental implants in Richmond, KY, are a natural-looking solution that blends seamlessly with existing teeth. For individuals concerned about the aesthetics of their smile, implants provide a cosmetically appealing option that looks and feels like natural teeth.  

• Candidates for dental implants should have healthy gums and sufficient bone structure to support the implant. Individuals who meet these criteria and maintain good oral hygiene are ideal candidates, as implants require a solid foundation and ongoing care to ensure their success. 

The Dental Implants Procedure 

The journey to dental implants begins with a thorough consultation and examination by a dental professional. During this initial visit, the oral facial surgeon in Lexington, KY, will assess the patient's oral health, review their medical history, and take detailed images, such as X-rays or CT scans, to evaluate the jawbone's condition and surrounding structures. This step is essential to determine whether the patient is a suitable candidate for implants and to develop a personalized treatment plan. Factors such as bone density, the location of the implant, and the patient's overall health are considered during this phase. 

If the patient has a damaged or decayed tooth that needs to be replaced, the first step is tooth extraction. This is typically done under local anesthesia to ensure comfort. Sometimes, patients may not have sufficient bone density to support an implant. When this occurs, bone grafting may be required to build up the jawbone. Bone grafting involves adding bone material to the jaw to create a solid foundation for the implant. This additional step can extend the overall treatment timeline, as it requires time for the graft to integrate with the natural bone, usually taking several months. 

Once the jawbone is ready, the next step is the surgical placement of the dental implant. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, though sedation options are available for patients with anxiety or complex cases. During the surgery, our oral facial surgeon makes an incision in the gum to expose the bone and then drills a small hole to place the titanium implant post. The implant is inserted into the jawbone as an artificial root for the replacement tooth. After placement, the gum is stitched back over the implant, and a temporary crown may be placed to protect the site during healing. The process of osseointegration, where the bone grows around the implant to secure it, takes several months. 

Once osseointegration is complete, the next phase involves placing the abutment, a connector that attaches to the implant post and holds the replacement tooth or crown. This minor procedure usually requires reopening the gum to expose the implant. After securely attaching the abutment, the gum tissue is closed around it but not over the top. In some cases, the abutment may be placed simultaneously with the implant post to minimize the number of surgical procedures.

Following the placement of the abutment, a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture is fabricated based on impressions of the patient's mouth. This final restoration is then attached to the abutment, completing the dental implant process. The result is a functional, aesthetically pleasing tooth that blends seamlessly with the patient's natural teeth. Contact us today to learn more. 

Dental implants are designed to look and feel like natural teeth, enhancing the aesthetics of your smile. Visit Kentucky Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at 3159 Beaumont Centre Circle Suite 110, Lexington, KY 40513; 2424 Sir Barton Way, Lexington, KY 40509; or 4097 Atwood Dr, Richmond, KY 40475 to schedule your consultation and discover how dental implants can transform your life. You can schedule an appointment online or call us at (859) 278-9376, (859) 207-4790, or (859) 623-7711.