Dental Implants
NKC Dental offers a warm and welcoming environment and exceptional customer service. We have state-of-the-art equipment and use the most modern technology available. Additionally, we offer a full suite of dental services to ensure you receive the best dental care possible.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small threaded titanium posts that are implanted into your jawbone. The titanium post is the foundation that will hold your artificial teeth in place, and an abutment connects the implant post to your artificial tooth.
Why Would You Need Dental Implants?
Dental implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth or to anchor dentures, crowns, or bridges. They are also used for cosmetic reasons, such as improving your smile.
The Different Types of Dental Implants
There are several different types of dental implants.
Full Mouth – These are used when most or all your teeth are cracked, decayed, or otherwise compromised and need to be removed.
All-on-X – These use four or six implants strategically placed into your jawbone to secure an entire arch of teeth. This procedure can be done by replacing each tooth with a single implant or by securing a full arch of teeth with just two, four, or six implants.
Snap-On Dentures – These are known as implant-stabilized dentures. They are dentures that snap onto dental implants.
Mini Dental – These implants are made with tiny, toothpick-sized titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone. They are typically used for people who don’t have enough jawbone to support a traditional implant.
Implant-Supported Bridge – These permanent bridges use dental implants to support two to four teeth.
The Different Types of Dental Implant Procedures
There are three types of dental implant procedures. The procedure used will depend on your oral health and jawbone density.
Endosteal – This is the most common type of implant performed. It involves implanting a titanium post directly into your jawbone.
Subperiosteal – This type of implant is usually performed when you don’t have enough jawbone to support an implant. A subperiosteal implant is placed on top of your jawbone under your gums.
Zygomatic – This type of implant is rarely used due to the complexity of the procedure. Zygomatic implants are placed in the cheekbone instead of the jawbone.
The Dental Implant Process
The implant process begins with your dentist removing your tooth and its roots. They will then cut a small incision in your gum to expose the jawbone. A small hole just large enough to fit the implant post is drilled into your jawbone, where the implant will be placed.
Your gums will be stitched up, and a temporary denture will be provided to cover the implant until the bone has had time to fuse to the implant (about 3-6 months).
After that, an abutment will be placed on the implant, and a new artificial tooth will be attached to the top of the abutment. And that will complete the implant process.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last
Dental implants will usually last a lifetime if you care for them properly, have good oral hygiene, and visit your dentist in Westwood, KS, regularly. However, that only pertains to the implant itself. The artificial tooth (crown) will have to be replaced every 10-15 years or so.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Getting dental implants has many benefits. Dental implants in Westwood, KS, make it easier for you to speak and chew without worrying about denture slippage. They look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.
Another thing most people don’t know is that when you have missing teeth if you don’t replace those teeth with an implant, your face will lose shape. Then you will have a sunken face look. Dental implants give you a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
You probably are not a good candidate for dental implants if you smoke or have certain medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or an autoimmune disorder. Additionally, you are not a good candidate for dental implants if you have poor oral hygiene, have gum disease, have lots of cavities, are younger than 18, or don’t have enough bone in your jaw to support a dental implant.
What If You Don’t Have Enough Jawbone for a Dental Implant
If you don’t have enough jawbone for a dental implant, your dentist might recommend a bone graft. A bone graft is performed by taking bone from one part of your body or a donor source and placing it in your jawbone, where it will, over several months, attach to your existing bone. A bone graft will give you the bone density needed for a dental implant.
Bone grafting won’t work for every situation. Your dentist will let you know if a bone graft might be an option for you.
Contact NKC Dental – A Reputable Dentist in Westwood, KS
If you want dental implants, you will need a dentist. Please Contact NKC Dental today to schedule a consultation. We would love to show you just how easy and affordable getting dental implants can be.
