Dental implants are uniquely designed in 3 parts to emulate the structure of a natural tooth. They also provide the support needed to chew, speak, and smile with complete confidence. Dental implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth!
All of our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to provide the full scope of oral surgery options. We use the most advanced tools and surgical techniques available. We encourage you to contact us to schedule a consultation appointment, where you will receive a thorough examination and a personalized treatment plan.
The 3 parts of an implant include:
| • | The implant post (also called the screw). This piece is typically made of medical-grade titanium and is the first piece placed in the mouth. Once implanted into the jaw, it integrates with the bone during the healing period in the same manner as a natural tooth root. |
| • | The abutment. The abutment is the connecting piece that holds the custom-made crown to the implant post. |
| • | The crown. Once the dental implant post sufficiently heals in the jaw, the crown connects to the top of the implant post with the abutment. The crown is custom-made to blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth for a natural-looking result. |
Benefits
Dental implants are the preferred tooth replacement option because they fully restore both aesthetics and oral function. Other dental prostheses can replace missing teeth to give the patient a complete smile, but they cannot provide the benefits of dental implants. The most common advantages that dental implants have over other tooth restorations include the following:
Dental implants preserve the health of your jawbone.
The roots of your natural teeth continuously stimulate the bone in your jaw when you chew to keep the jawbones healthy. The jawbone does not receive this stimulation if missing teeth are replaced with bridges and dentures. That is because these bridges and dentures only rest on the gums. The result is jawbone atrophy, which can cause a host of oral health problems as well as a sunken look to the face. Dental implants are true tooth replacements, root and all, and they stimulate the jaw just like real teeth. They are the only replacement option that prevents jawbone loss.
Dental implants require no special care.
Dental implants function just like natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing is all you need!
Dental implants can last a lifetime.
Most traditional tooth restorations must be replaced after several years of use. Dental implants fuse with the jawbone, making them stable and permanent. With proper oral care and regular dental exams, they can last a lifetime.
Dental implants are versatile.
Dental implants can be used to restore a single tooth, several teeth, or as part of full-arch restoration to replace an entire arch of teeth. If you are healthy enough to undergo a minor dental procedure, you are most likely a candidate for dental implants.
Procedure
We know every patient is different. That's why your oral surgeon will customize your treatment plan to your specific needs. When you visit us for your consultation appointment, we will take 3D scans of your mouth, discuss anesthesia options, and design your personalized treatment plan.
On the day of your procedure, our welcoming staff members will guide you through every step of the process. First, you will choose anesthesia that you're comfortable with. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, your doctor will carefully place the implant post into the empty tooth socket and stitch the surgical site closed. When the anesthesia has worn off, you can return home.
The dental implant will need to heal and fuse with the jawbone over the next few months. During that time, your restorative dentist will create your custom-designed crown. When you are ready, your restorative dentist will attach the custom-made crown to your abutment. You're ready to enjoy your fully functioning, natural-looking dental implant!
Dental Implants at Mountain State Oral & Facial Surgery
If you're interested in any of the treatments we offer, we encourage you to contact our office at 304-343-5161 to see how we can help you. We have offices conveniently located in Ashland, KY, or Beckley, Charleston, Huntington, Hurricane, Kanawha City, Parkersburg, or Princeton WV.
