Dental Implants
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What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are “artificial tooth roots” that look like screws, typically made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gums. They provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth. Dental implants can be used to replace one single tooth, a section of teeth (bridge), or the entire upper or lower arch of teeth (fixed denture).

Dental implants are considered one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth because they look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They also help preserve bone in the jaw and prevent the shifting of adjacent teeth.

A significant advantage of having an implant placed at Marion Smile Center is that both our implant specialist (Dr. Melanie Quest, DMD) and the restoring dentist (Dr. Mark A. Marion, DMD, FAGD) work together within the same facility, helping reduce the number of your appointments. This also ensures that your continuity of care lasts far beyond the implant placement. For months and years to come, you will continue to be examined by these same doctors during your routine professional dental visits (dental cleanings and examinations) several times per year.

The Dental Implant Process

Every step of the dental implant process at Marion Smile Center, from the initial consultation to the final placement, is carried out with the utmost care. Our implant specialist, Dr. Melanie A. Quest, has extensive clinical experience with placing hundreds of implants, and is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive support and clear communication to make your path to a restored smile as smooth and reassuring as possible.

1. Evaluation

First, Dr. Quest will conduct a thorough evaluation of your oral health to be sure that you are a candidate for dental implants. She will also determine if there is a condition necessitating bone grafting. If so, then a membrane will also need to be placed.

The evaluation will include clinical examination, imaging studies (such as X-rays or CT scans), and a discussion of your treatment goals. We have recently added a cutting-edge 3D panorex X-ray machine to our so that our doctors have the latest technology to assess the mouth for implant treatment. This new 3D dental imaging, also known as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), provides dentists with precise and detailed views of a patient’s teeth, mouth, and jaw. This allows them to detect problems much earlier and with more accuracy than traditional 2D imaging. Best yet, the new 3D technology emits much lower radiation levels during a scan than traditional X-rays.

2. Treatment Planning

Once we have confirmed that you are a candidate for dental implants, you will schedule an appointment with Dr. Quest to surgically place the implant into your jawbone. For some, the placement of the implant is less uncomfortable than anticipated. Within a few days, most patients experience a significant reduction in the common symptoms of implant placement such as discomfort, tenderness, inflammation, bruising, and slight bleeding. Symptoms peak within the first three days and then gradually subside. You may resume your usual activities three days after the implant is placed.

3. Healing

After placing the dental implant, your jawbone will need to fuse with the implant. Also known as osseointegration, this process ensures optimal stability and functionality and is vital for long term success of the implant. Osseointegration can take anywhere from four to six months to complete. Key factors, including age, patient family history, conditions such as diabetes and osteoporosis, and oral health, will determine your healing time.

4. Abutment

Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, a connector called an abutment is attached to the implant to hold the replacement tooth or teeth in place.

5. Tooth Restoration

Finally, the replacement tooth or teeth which can be individual crowns, bridges, or dentures, are attached to the abutment. This is typically done at the same appointment as the abutment placement.

Dental Implant Options at Marion Smile Center

Single Dental Implant

A single dental implant is used to replace a single missing tooth and designed to match the shape, size, and color of the adjacent natural teeth. Single dental implants offer a permanent and natural-looking solution for replacing individual missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.

Implant-Supported Bridge

An implant-supported bridge is used to replace multiple missing teeth in a row. It involves placing two or more dental implants into the jawbone to support a dental bridge, which consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) attached to crowns on either end. The dental implants act as anchors for the bridge, providing stability and preventing bone loss. Implant-supported bridges are an effective alternative to traditional bridges, as they do not rely on adjacent natural teeth for support, preserving the integrity of the remaining teeth.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are used to replace a full arch of missing teeth (either upper or lower) or both arches. They consist of a custom-made denture prosthesis that is attached to dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone. The number of implants required depends on the patient's specific needs and bone density.

Implant-supported dentures offer several advantages over traditional removable dentures, including improved stability, comfort, and chewing efficiency. They eliminate issues such as slipping, clicking, and sore spots commonly associated with conventional dentures, providing a more secure and natural-feeling restoration option with no more sticky denture adhesive.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants represent a significant advancement in restorative dentistry, offering numerous benefits to those struggling with missing teeth. Some benefits include:

• Natural Appearance: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. Because they are integrated into the jawbone, they provide a seamless and aesthetically pleasing solution for replacing missing teeth.
• Improved Chewing and Speech: Dental implants restore the ability to chew food comfortably and speak clearly, without the worry of slippage or instability commonly associated with dentures.
• Longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them one of the most durable tooth replacement options available.
• Preservation of Bone: Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to preserve bone density and prevent bone loss that can occur when teeth are missing. This preservation of bone structure can contribute to better overall oral health and facial appearance.
• No Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Unlike traditional bridges, which require the alteration of adjacent healthy teeth for support, dental implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. This helps preserve the integrity of adjacent teeth and reduces the risk of future dental issues.
• Enhanced Comfort and Stability: Dental implants are securely anchored in the jawbone, eliminating the discomfort and instability often associated with removable dentures. Say goodbye to sticky denture adhesives!
• Improved Confidence and Self-Esteem: Dental implants restore the ability to smile, eat, and speak with confidence, which can significantly enhance self-esteem and quality of life.
• Convenience: Dental implants eliminate the need for adhesives or special cleaning solutions required for removable dentures. They are cared for just like natural teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
• Versatility: Dental implants can be used to replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth, or even an entire arch of teeth, providing versatile solutions for various degrees of tooth loss.
• Stable Facial Structure: By preventing bone loss and maintaining the integrity of the jawbone, dental implants help preserve facial contours and prevent the sunken appearance often associated with tooth loss.

Overall, dental implants offer a permanent, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing solution for replacing missing teeth, improving oral function, and enhancing overall quality of life.

Marion Smile Dental Implant Patients

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