As your trusted Bentonville, AR dentist, it is our job to tell you when a tooth cannot be saved despite your excellent oral-hygiene practices and commitment to routine exams and cleanings. Whether you’re facing an extraction or have lost teeth because of an unexpected accident or decay, at Bright Ridge Dental, we offer implant dentistry and dental implants — a permanent, restorative solution that will give you back your beautiful, natural-looking smile.
Anatomy of a dental implant with an implant crown
What Is a Dental Implant?
In implant dentistry, a dental implant consists of a small titanium “screw” that replaces the root of a missing tooth. It is covered by a porcelain crown that
looks and feels just like your old tooth. It requires a minor surgical procedure in which the screw is surgically inserted into the jawbone where the missing tooth once was and is left to heal for 3-6 months. While it heals, the bone fuses to the implant (a process known as osseointegration) and then the tooth-like crown is attached to the implant with an internal connector known as an abutment.
Why Dental Implants?
Implant dentistry is quickly gaining popularity. Dental implants have a 95 percent tooth-replacement success rate and can correct even the most severe problems associated with missing teeth. They are a safe and effective method for replacing missing teeth with new, natural-looking, permanent teeth, and they help preserve the tooth-supporting bone that naturally deteriorates when a tooth is lost, thereby sustaining the integrity of your facial structure.
For many, dental implants offer a much-needed reprieve from ill-fitting, uncomfortable dentures or retainers with false teeth. At Bright Ridge Dental,
we offer three primary tooth-replacement options. Depending on the number of missing teeth, certain implant options work better than others:
Single-tooth replacements have the highest success rate, and because they will never decay or need root canal treatments, they are the best long-term
investment for replacing a single tooth.
Dental implant, abutment connector, and porcelain crown
Multi-tooth replacements are similar to bridges and are commonly used when three or more teeth in a row are missing. A bridge must connect to a natural tooth, which often becomes weak and starts to decay because it is more difficult to clean around the connected crowns. With dental implants, no natural teeth need to be drilled and the implant and crown cannot decay.
Implant bridge
Implant-supported dentures replace entire arches of missing teeth. These dentures lock into place so they will not shift around in the mouth or fall out
during eating or speaking. This offers denture patients the security and function they could previously only dream of!
Implant-supported denture
Just like your natural teeth, with proper maintenance and cleaning, dental implants can last forever. As part of their job as your dental implant specialists, Dr. K.C. Dietz and Dr. Kaitlin Dietz ensure the longevity of your dental work by guiding you through the maintenance and care of your implants at each stage of the process!
FAQ
Q: “Are dental implants the best tooth-replacement option?”
A: Dental implants are the best tooth-replacement option for healthy patients who want a permanent, natural-looking solution. They are highly durable and deter bone loss, which protects the integrity of your facial bone structure and esthetics.
Q: “How much do dental implants cost?”
A: The price of dental implants varies widely according to the size, location, and condition of the remaining jawbone. Contact Dr. K.C. Dietz and Dr. Kaitlin Dietz today to schedule a consultation and find out more about pricing for your unique dental situation.
Q: “Are dental implants permanent?”
A: Yes, dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth.
To learn whether dental implants are right for you, call (479) 715-4277 today to schedule your consultation with Bentonville dentists Dr. K.C. and Dr. Kaitlin Dietz
