Genuine Smiles from Houlik Family Dentistry

Missing teeth can affect your confidence, speech, and ability to eat certain foods. Moreover, it can lead to bone loss, misaligned teeth, and other complications. Luckily, our dental implants offer a permanent solution to missing teeth. Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth and have a success rate of over 95%. 

 

The Benefits of Dental Implants

When teeth are missing, dental implants can be an excellent restorative dentistry option to take their place. Dental implants give patients beautiful, healthy smiles and fully functional replacement teeth. Dentures, crowns, and bridges attached to dental implants are sturdy solutions that last.

Improved Appearance and Confidence: Dental implants match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable. They also preserve bone density and facial structure, preventing premature aging and sagging. With dental implants, you can smile, talk, and eat confidently, knowing that your teeth look and feel great.

 

Increased Comfort and Functionality: Dentures and bridges can shift, slip, and cause discomfort, especially when eating or speaking. Dental implants, on the other hand, are anchored to your jawbone, providing a stable and comfortable base for your replacement teeth. This implant allows you to eat, speak, and chew your food without worrying about slippage or discomfort.

 

Improved Oral Health: Dental implants do not require drilling or altering adjacent teeth, unlike bridges or partial dentures. This means your natural teeth can remain intact, reducing the risk of decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Our dental implants in Wichita, Kansas, also make brushing and flossing your teeth easier, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay.

 

Long-lasting Durability: Dental implants are made of high-quality materials such as titanium, which is biocompatible and fuses with your jawbone over time. This material provides a sturdy foundation for your replacement teeth and ensures they last for many years, sometimes even a lifetime, with proper care and maintenance.

 

Cost-effective Solution: While dental implants may seem expensive initially, they are a cost-effective solution in the long run. You may need to replace dentures every 5-7 years, while bridges have a lifespan of 7-10 years. However, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance, making them a worthwhile investment in oral health and overall well-being.

 

What is the Process?

With dental implants, Dr. Houlik can surgically place titanium posts below the gums that integrate directly with the jaw bone. As new bone forms around the prosthetic implant, it stabilizes and grows stronger. Once fully healed, implant-supported dentures connect to the posts. The posts can also attach to dental bridges and crowns. 

The following steps are typically taken during dental implant placement.

 

Assessing Your Eligibility

The first step in dental implant placement involves assessing your eligibility for the procedure. This step is done by your dentist or specialist, who will evaluate your general health, dental health, and overall bone structure.

During the evaluation process, your dentist may take X-rays and perform a CT scan to determine your bone’s density and quality. This step is essential in determining if you have enough healthy bone structure to support the implant. If your bone is not thick or strong enough, you may require a bone grafting procedure before dental implant placement.

 

The Implant Placement Procedure

Once we clear you for the procedure, the next step involves surgically placing the implant into your jawbone. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia and sedation to help manage any discomfort you may experience.

During the procedure, your dentist will make an incision in your gum tissue to expose your jawbone. Then, they will drill a hole into the bone where we will place the implant. Once the implant is in place, the dentist will stitch your gum tissue closed and allow the area to heal before proceeding to the next step.

 

Integration Period

After we place the implant, it is left to heal and integrate with your jawbone. This integration period can take anywhere from six weeks to six months, depending on various factors such as your age, general health, and the implant’s location. During this time, your jawbone will grow around the implant, fusing it to your jaw and providing a firm foundation for the prosthetic tooth.

 

Abutment Placement

Once your jawbone has healed, the next step involves placing the abutment. The abutment is the connector that joins the implant to the prosthetic tooth. During this step, your dentist will make another incision in your gum tissue to expose the implant and attach the abutment.

Once the abutment is in place, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create the prosthetic tooth’s custom mold. This process may take a few weeks as we send the mold to a dental lab where the prosthetic tooth is created based on the impressions taken by your dentist.

 

Placing the Prosthetic Tooth

Once your prosthetic tooth is created, attaching it to the abutment is the final step. Your dentist will ensure that the prosthetic tooth fits correctly, matches the shade and size of your natural teeth, and feels comfortable in your mouth.

Mini dental implant placement is a simple and effective way to restore your smile and improve your oral health. While the process involves several steps, with proper care and attention, mini dental implants offer a long-lasting solution for those seeking a natural-looking solution to tooth loss. 

 

Dental Implants in Wichita, Kansas

Houlik Family Dentistry understands the importance of a confident smile. We offer a wide range of dental services to meet every family member’s unique needs. Our comprehensive dental care includes restorative treatments that can help enhance the function and appearance of your teeth, cosmetic procedures that address issues like discoloration and misalignment, and preventive care to keep your smile healthy and bright. Our team of experienced professionals provides exceptional care in a friendly and welcoming environment. We understand that visiting the dentist may not be everyone’s favorite activity, which is why we strive to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Dental implants offer a permanent and effective solution to missing teeth, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of natural teeth. With improved appearance, comfort, functionality, oral health, and durability, dental implants are a cost-effective and long-lasting investment in oral health and quality of life. Contact Houlik Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation and discuss your options if you are considering dental implants. Our experienced and skilled team is committed to helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

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