Implants
Dental implants provide a permanent, comfortable solution for replacing missing teeth without altering your other teeth. Our team is here to restore your smile and boost your confidence.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent fixture in your mouth after you’ve had a tooth removed. These differ from a bridge, partial denture, or dentures in that a dental implant is not removable, and becomes part of your jaw.
They mimic regular teeth in that there’s a “root” and a crown. Dental implants are a titanium alloy fixture that replaces the missing root and serves as a foundation for your new crown. Dental implants are safe to place in your mouth and, when properly maintained, sturdy enough to last longer than other replacement options.
Do I Need Dental Implants?
If you are missing teeth, then dental implants might be the solution for you. Space between teeth causes them to shift over time, creating gaps in your smile and making an uneven chewing surface. This puts more forces on your other teeth and can result in esthetic issues.
What to Expect
Schedule an Appointment:
If you are interested in dental implant therapy, give us a call to schedule. New patients will need to fill our new patient paperwork and have any dental records sent to our office.
Evaluation:
Your dental implant procedure begins with an evaluation, including CBCT scans to determine if a bone graft is necessary. You’ll then receive personalized follow-up appointments to start your treatment.
The dental implant procedure can easily be done in our office. It’s designed to be an outpatient procedure, with two phases.
Phase 1
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The first part of receiving your dental implant is the replacement of the root. This procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes.
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You’ll be given antibiotics prior to starting.
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Once you are comfortable and completely numb, the jaw is prepared and the titanium “root” implant is inserted.
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Sometimes the implant is completely covered after the procedure, sometimes a healing attachment is placed just above the gums.
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After this, you’ll begin the healing process. Patients are routinely surprised at the small amount of discomfort following placement of the implant. Afterwards, the body will heal around the implant. This can take three to six months depending on various factors.
Phase 2
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The second phase of your dental implants is attaching the crown to the titanium root. Your new tooth will be created and shaped to fit comfortably with your other teeth.
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The dentist will carefully prepare the area surrounding your new root.
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Your implant crown will be precisely fitted on top of the root.
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Your dentist will check the new tooth’s placement against your other teeth.
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Expect to have a follow-up appointment to ensure a proper fit.
Please note: Lee Dental is an in-network provider for most major insurance providers. We also accept self-pay and provide payment options through 3rd party providers. If you have questions about our participation in your network, please call our office at 334-821-3887.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are a more permanent solution to missing teeth. New advances in technology even allow implants up to a few years after the tooth has been removed.
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Dental implants are a great replacement, as they restore your mouth in a more conservative, comfortable, and longer lasting fashion.
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Titanium roots are biocompatible – this means that your body easily accepts the implant. Plus, they’re lightweight and strong.
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Your bone grows around the implant in a natural way, preventing bone loss.
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Implants can be created to fit partial dentures or full dentures in order to help improve their comfort and function.
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Success rates for implants are over 95 percent.
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Implants are cleaned the same way you care for your regular teeth – brushing, flossing, and rinsing.