Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are permanent replacements for a missing tooth or multiple teeth. An endosteal implant is the most common type of implant placed in the absence of a missing tooth. First, an implant dentist will place a titanium screw into the jawbone. Once the screw and its post, called an abutment, are placed, a crown is put on top to take the place of the missing tooth. This implant crown is tooth-colored and feels like a natural tooth. Over time, the titanium fuses with the jawbone, helping to keep the structure in place.

In some cases, a dentist may perform a full-arch restoration. This type of surgery involves an implant dentist replacing a series of teeth to restore a full arch in the mouth. Our expert dental team keeps up-to-date on the latest techniques to be used in surgical procedures and how to use advanced instruments to provide the best patient care.

Espire’s dental implant surgery is often done for many reasons. It may be to help a patient chew normally or to prevent additional bone loss in the jaw. It can even help to keep the gum tissue healthy over time, and more. The placement of the implant screw generally takes 1-2 hours. Then, a patient waits up to 3 months for the titanium screw to fuse with their jawbone. Once healed, they return for a second appointment in which the dentist places an implant crown to bring the tooth back to functionality.

What Are the Benefits of Implant Dentistry?

Undergoing dental surgery in Wyoming for a dental implant takes time, but there are several great benefits to getting this dental procedure. Dental implants are:

• Permanent – When cared for correctly, dental implants can last forever.
• Durable – Implants are made to withstand regular chewing and biting. Just like your natural teeth!
• Easy to care for – With your dental implants, you can practice typical preventative oral health practices like flossing and brushing. They require no adjustment from your regular dental care routine.
• Helpful to the surrounding teeth – Patients that undergo oral surgery for dental implants are more likely to experience less sensitivity and fewer cavities in the surrounding teeth.
• Confidence-boosters – Patients no longer have to bother with the anxiety that comes with caring for dentures or bridges. Instead, they can enjoy sharing their smiles with loved ones.

How Are Dental Implants Procedures Performed?

If an implant dentist at Espire Dental believes a patient is a good candidate for dental implants in Wyoming, then several steps will occur for the patient’s implant to be placed.

First, the dentist needs to make room for the implant and in most cases, this means removing the damaged or decayed tooth. Often a patient requires time for their gum tissue to heal.

Depending on the overall health of the jawbone, a patient may require bone grafting. In this case, the dentist will place bone into the patient’s jaw to add density to the jawbone before continuing with the implant.

Once the implant is placed, a patient is given time to heal. At their next visit, the implant dentist will place the post, or abutment. The crown is typically fit and placed in a separate dental procedure, and the tooth is restored! Of course, if a patient requires more than one implant, this process may look different.

Are You A Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Espire Dental’s team of implant dentists have performed many dental implants in Wyoming. At your visit, there are many factors that our dentists will consider to decide if a patient fits the criteria for getting a dental implant.
Our dentists will be considering a patient’s:

• Age – Dental implants are typically only recommended for patients 20 years old and beyond, because it is important that the jaw bone is fully formed before placement.
• Jaw and bone health – A patient’s jawbone must be able to withstand the placement of the implant. Patients with osteoporosis or a history of facial trauma may not be good candidates for this procedure.
• Overall oral health and hygiene – A patient must have good general dental health for an implant to be successful.
• Gum health – A patient’s gum tissue must be healthy and free of periodontal disease.
• Smoking habits – Patients who smoke have a higher likelihood of failure with a dental implant. However, this does not exclude anyone entirely. If you are a smoker considering a dental implant procedure, please contact us so we can ensure the successful placement of your dental implant.
• Time and commitment – Remember, getting a dental implant isn’t an in-and-out procedure. Combined with consultation, assessment, procedures, and healing, the process could take several months or more.