A dentist wearing a mask and cap speaks with a smiling patient sitting in a dental chair during an appointment.

Are All Dental Implant Procedures the Same?

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Have you been considering replacing one or more teeth? While dentures and bridges are traditional options, dental implants may be a better option for you. Our dentists in North Kansas City, MO, and Westwood, KS, at NKC Dental offer different types of implant procedures to fit varying needs. Here’s a closer look at these procedures.

Endosteal

This is the most common procedure for dental implants. During this procedure, we place a titanium post in your jawbone and allow it to heal before placing an artificial tooth or crown on the post.

Subperiosteal

For an endosteal procedure, you need to have adequate jawbone to support the titanium post. If you don’t, we may recommend a subperiosteal implant procedure. This involves having posts placed just beneath your gums or on your jaw instead of inside it.

Zygomatic

Our options for dental implants in Westwood, KS, and North Kansas City, MO, include zygomatic implants. But this is much rarer than endosteal and subperiosteal procedures. This process involves placing implants in your cheekbone instead of your jawbone.

Which Is Right for You?

Most patients end up having an endosteal procedure done. If you don’t have enough jawbone, we may be able to graft bone to solve this problem. If not, you might be a good candidate for a subperiosteal procedure. If you lack enough bone in your upper jaw, we may discuss zygomatic implants with you.

Make an Appointment for Your Dental Implant Consultation

Are you looking into dental implants as a tooth replacement solution? At NKC Dental, we can help you determine which type of procedure is right for you. We offer multiple types of dental implants in Westwood, KS, and North Kansas City, MO, to suit patients with various tooth replacement situations.

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Are You a Good Candidate for Replacing Teeth With Dental Implants?

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Whether you’re missing a single tooth or many, you may want to look into getting dental implants. These tooth replacement treatments offer a great way to enhance your smile. But they’re not a suitable choice for all patients. Our dentists in Westwood, KS and North Kansas City, MO, at NKC Dental consider all of the following to determine if patients should go with this option.

Are You a Smoker?

Smoking can interfere with your ability to properly heal. Since the implant process involves having a post inserted inside your jawbone, we may not recommend this option if you smoke.

Do You Have Existing Health Conditions?

Some medical conditions, like diabetes or autoimmune disease, also make it harder for you to heal. We might explore other options for you if you have any of these conditions.

Are Your Gums and Teeth Healthy?

Having a healthy mouth helps lower the risk of infection and implant failure. We’ll check for signs of gum disease or other oral health issues that need treatment before you get dental implants.

Do You Have Enough Bone?

Implant posts need good support inside your jawbone, so you’ll need enough of this tissue. We may be able to graft tissue in this area before giving you dental implants in Westwood, KS and North Kansas City, MO.

How Old Are You?

You should be at least 18 years old to get dental implants. That’s around when your jaw has stopped growing.

Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation With Our Dentists!

A young woman with long hair smiles while brushing her teeth in a bathroom. She is wearing a white tank top and standing near a shelf with toiletries.

Tips for the Long-Term Care and Longevity of Your Dental Implants

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You have dental implants. That’s exciting! But now what? Getting dental implants in North Kansas City, MO, or dental implants in Westwood, KS, can change your smile and boost your confidence. But did you know that proper care is key to making them last? Without regular maintenance, even the best implants can (and will) cause problems. So, how can you maintain your smile for years to come?

Let’s take a look.

The Importance of Daily Oral Hygiene

Just like natural teeth, implants need daily care. Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. And flossing around your implants is crucial (yes, you still have to floss). Using interdental brushes or water flossers can help get to those hard-to-reach spots. Mouth rinses with antimicrobial ingredients can also provide extra protection when recommended by your dentist in North Kansas City, MO, or your dentist in Westwood, KS.

Regular Dental Checkups

Even if you practice great oral care, regular dental checkups are needed. Scheduling cleanings every six months lets your dentist in North Kansas City, MO, spot early signs of issues like gum inflammation or bone loss. Catching problems early can prevent them from becoming serious. Think of your implant checkups as insurance for your smile. They keep things running smoothly and your bite feeling natural.

Lifestyle Habits to Protect Your Implants

Smoking can delay healing and increase implant failure. So, quitting or reducing tobacco use would be a smart move. Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods that might stress the implant. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamins strengthens your gums and jawbone. And that will help support long-term implant health.

Caring for dental implants in North Kansas City, MO, or dental implants in Westwood, KS, isn’t complicated. It’s about daily brushing. It’s about regular checkups. And it’s about smart lifestyle choices. Following these tips will help your implants last for decades.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Dentist in North Kansas City, MO, or Westwood, KS (or any of the surrounding areas)?

If you’re ready to protect your investment and keep your smile bright, please Contact NKC Dental today. We will help ensure your implants stay healthy for life.

A person holds a dental model showing three teeth, one with a dental implant, one natural tooth, and one crown, against a neutral background.

What Advantages Do All-on-X Dental Implants Offer?

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When you want to replace several missing teeth, going with a separate dental implant for each one may not be the most practical option. But that doesn’t mean you have to get dentures. There’s another option to consider, known as All-on-X implants. At NKC Dental, our dentists in North Kansas City, MO, and Westwood, KS, offer these due to their benefits.

Fewer Visits Overall

Getting All-on-X implants means you get a few or more posts placed in certain areas of your mouth, rather than a post for each tooth. That results in fewer appointments for this treatment compared to getting single-tooth implants.

Long-Lasting Option

These implants are a great alternative to dentures. The posts can last a lifetime, while the dental restorations often last for several years.

Fewer Dental Implants Needed

Again, these implants only require a few or more posts. That helps cut down on treatment time, while also being more convenient and less invasive for you.

Comfortable and Stable

All-on-X dental implants in Westwood, KS, and North Kansas City, MO, offer more stability than dentures that can slip out of place. They’re also more comfortable, feeling like your normal teeth.

No Eating Restrictions

You have to watch what you eat when you have dentures. But with All-on-X implants, you can enjoy any foods without having to deal with limitations, like avoiding hard foods.

Improved Appearance

Having these implants replace most or all of your teeth results in a better smile and reduces the risk of developing a sunken appearance.

Set Up a Consultation for Dental Implants!

Are these implants the best solution for you? Our dentists at NKC Dental are here to help you figure out if you should get All-on-X dental implants in Westwood, KS, and North Kansas City, MO.

All-on-X Dental Implants Explained

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Getting dental implants in Westwood, KS, is exciting! But what if you don’t know anything about them? Do you have options? Actually, you do! And that’s what we’re going to talk about today. One of your options. Namely, All-on-X dental implants.

What Are All-on-X Dental Implants?

All-on-X dental implants offer a full-mouth restoration without having to replace each of your teeth with a single dental implant. With All-on-X dental implants, your dentist in Westwood, KS, will strategically place a set number of implants (4, 6, or more) into your jawbone. The ”X” part of the name stands for the number of implants used. Those implants will support a full arch of teeth.

The Benefits of All-on-X Dental Implants

Once you know the benefits of getting All-on-X implants versus a single implant for each tooth, you will probably be convinced that All-on-X implants are the way to go.

  • Reduced surgery and recovery time.
  • Fewer implants are needed.
  • Less discomfort.
  • Enhanced aesthetics (they look, feel, and function like your natural teeth)
  • Improved oral function.
  • They are much less expensive than a single implant for each tooth.
  • Long-term durability.
  • Easy maintenance (similar to caring for your natural teeth).
  • Improved quality of life due to a beautiful, forever smile!

The Key Difference Between All-on-X and All-on-4 Implants (it’s not what you think)

Of course, just as you would suspect, the main difference between All-on-X and All-on-4 dental implants is how many implants are used to support your full arch of teeth.

But that’s not the only difference. Another big difference is that the more implants your dentist uses, the more added support and distribution of pressure you’ll have when chewing. This is particularly important for the overall success and longevity of your implants.

Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Westwood, KS?

It’s important to find a reputable dentist before committing to a dental implant procedure. So, before you do anything else, please Contact NKC Dental today to learn about All-on-X dental implants and your other options.

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Lifestyle Changes Before Getting Dental Implants

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Getting dental implants in North Kansas City, MO is a wise investment if you need help with dental restoration. Dental implants don’t just improve the way you look—although that’s an undeniable benefit—they also have the ability to restore health and function to your teeth, gums and jaw bone. But the process of getting dental implants does require oral surgery, so it pays to make sure you do your part to make sure that the procedure is a long-term success. To that point, you may want to consider making some lifestyle changes, depending upon what led to the loss of your permanent tooth or teeth.

Stop Smoking

Smoking isn’t just bad for your lungs; it also lowers your immunity and makes you more susceptible to gum disease. It can also hinder your healing process after dental implant surgery, making the whole thing take longer than needed. If you need help stopping smoking, talk to your doctor about methods that others have used to successfully quit the habit.

Improve Your Oral Hygiene Habits

It could be time to step up your oral hygiene habits, too. If you want some practical and effective ways to improve, consult with your dental professional in North Kansas City, MO. In the meantime, consider things like a water flosser, antibacterial mouthwash and a motorized toothbrush.

Eat More Whole Foods

Eating wholesome foods is easier now than ever before. You don’t have to be a chef to eat fresh food at every meal. If you don’t have the luxury of cooking, consider a subscription to a food delivery service. Alternatively, you can shop at fresh food markets that offer a wide selection of freshly-prepared, wholesome meals to go.

We want your dental implants to be a success as much as you do, which is why we hope you adopt as many healthy lifestyle changes as you feel comfortable with. Contact us today to learn more about the process of getting dental implants.