At Peak Dental Arts, we understand how a missing tooth or teeth can impact the appearance and function of your mouth and affect your confidence. Missing a tooth can change how you eat, how you smile and how you feel about yourself in profound ways.
Dental implants can be recommended as an option to replace a missing tooth or even for patients who wear dentures and want a more secure, comfortable fit.
Dental Implants at Peak Dental Arts
As part of your dental exam and treatment planning process, Dr. Lanik will consult with you to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. While he does not perform the actual dental implant surgery, he builds the crown or denture to fit over the actual implant. If he determines you are a candidate for a dental implant, Dr. Lanik will refer you to one of our trusted specialists to perform the actual surgery.
The Dental Implants Procedure
Depending on the health of your mouth and jaw, there can be several stages to getting dental implants. We’ll consult with the specialist we refer you to ensure our treatment goals are met at all stages.
Implant Placement
A titanium post will be surgically placed into the jawbone. Once it’s implanted, it takes about three to six months to heal before we can implement the final restoration.
Restoration Placement
Depending on the number of implants you received, Dr. Lanik will then place a crown over the top of a single dental implant, or we can build a denture to go over multiple implants. This type is called a denture-supported implant.
Bone Grafting
Peak Dental Arts proudly offers comprehensive dental care for your entire family, including treatments like bone grafting. Sometimes, a bone graft may be required if we determine that there is not enough healthy jawbone to secure the dental implant. A bone graft helps create a solid foundation to hold the actual dental implant. If you need a bone graft, it may take several months for the bone to fuse to your jawbone before we can place the implant. Yes, bone grafting will prolong the dental implant process, but it ensures that your implant is seated properly and securely.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Dental implants can improve your mouth, smile and life in many ways.
- They replace a missing tooth or teeth, which helps your jaw and facial structure.
- They prevent further bone loss.
- They help improve chewing function.
Yes. X-rays always need to be taken for dental implants. This is because we have to see the condition of your jawbone and the surrounding teeth before putting in dental implants. It’s always a good idea to get an accurate picture of your oral health. An X-ray is just one part of the evaluation and consultation process to determine if you are a candidate for a dental implant.
Dental implants are actually very easy to care for! Just treat them and care for them as you would your natural teeth. Brush and floss daily and be sure to visit Dr. Lanik and Peak Dental Arts every six months for your dental exam and cleanings. With regular care, your dental implants can last a lifetime!