Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing MI
Losing a tooth to injury, extraction, or tooth decay may have you seeking tooth replacement options. The traditional treatment to replace a missing tooth is to create a bridge or a partial denture to fill the open space and restore your smile aesthetics. However, better-qualified tooth replacement options are now available with significant technological advancements in dentistry. Although dental implants are more costly than traditional treatments, the investment is worth considering when understanding the oral health benefits. Therefore, our Okemos cosmetic dentist that offers dental implants shares on the blog today why dental implants cost so much and the long-term benefits you can experience when you get a dental implant to replace a missing tooth.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants consist of separate components that work together to restore your smile and bite function. First, a titanium post gets surgically placed into your jawbone by an experienced Lansing implant dentist. Then after a healing period, a custom-designed dental crown that matches the color, shape, and size of your surrounding teeth gets placed on top to provide a shock-absorbing bite surface. Unfortunately, not every dentist has dental implant knowledge or qualifications to perform an implant procedure. Dr. Tenaglia possesses years of postgraduate training and uses advanced technology to take a 3-D image of your head and neck to ensure proper implant placement.
What are some dental implant benefits?
Dental implant benefits stretch far and wide since the implant is permanent and meant to last a lifetime. Not only do implants replace a missing tooth and regenerate smile aesthetics, but they can also boost your oral health.
Our East Lansing implant dentist outlines additional benefits for patients who qualify for dental implants
- Permanency – Implants are the only permanent option to replace missing teeth. Therefore, you don’t have to remove them for cleaning, like partial dentures.
- Jawbone Stimulation – The titanium post stimulates the jawbone like your natural tooth root. The stimulation also prevents jawbone resorption that often leads to a sunken appearance, tooth movement, and other potential oral conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD).
- Success Rate – Implants are a complete success for 98% of patients if they exercise proper oral health care by brushing twice a day and flossing once daily. In addition, routine checkups and cleanings can prolong implant lifespan, help monitor for possible infections, and address any potential concerns that may compromise the implant.
- Appearance and Function – The dental crown that tops the titanium post can match the surrounding tooth shade and shape to provide a seamless smile where the dental work is undetectable by others. Also, crowns offer a necessary biting surface that withstands intense pressure when chewing, supporting natural bite function.
How do I know if dental implants are the right missing tooth solution for me?
Each patient’s smile varies from another and, therefore, requires a different treatment process. However, those with good to excellent oral health should qualify for dental implants in Okemos, depending on their medical history, current medications, and lifestyle. On the other hand, patients who suffer from poor oral health, like gum disease or jawbone loss, may require additional treatments before implant surgery. Furthermore, patients who smoke must stop during the implant treatment process to encourage healing and reduce infection risk.
Dental Implants in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Finding a tooth replacement solution that gives you the most return on your investment is crucial to your oral health success. Dental implant treatment offers multiple lifetime benefits that continue to pay dividends. If you’re looking for an implant dentist near you in Okemos or ready to schedule your initial consultation with a Lansing dentist that offers dental implants, feel free to contact Tenaglia Smiles by calling (517) 347-6733 or visit our website to schedule an appointment now.