Tooth loss can happen for many reasons, such as disease, decay, traumatic accident, or dental neglect. When you lose a tooth, it not only compromises your smile, but it also makes it harder to bite and chew as normal. Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement, restoring full form and function. At Greater Michigan Oral Surgeons & Dental Implant Center, we are pleased to provide dental implant placement for patients across the Michigan communities of Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, Owosso, Oxford, and Midland.

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What Are Dental Implants?

The dental implant process involves three distinct elements: a titanium or zirconia post, a titanium or zirconia abutment, and a porcelain crown.

First, your oral surgeon carefully inserts the small post into the jawbone, where it acts as a replacement for your tooth root. The post takes a few months to heal and fuse with your bone, at which point it can serve as a stable anchor for an artificial replacement tooth.

The abutment is a connective piece attached to the post once it has fully healed in place. Once the abutment is in place, you will see your general dentist for the final restoration. Your dentist will firmly attach the porcelain crown to the abutment, resulting in a replacement tooth that looks and functions like your natural teeth.

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Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants are often preferred for replacing missing teeth, offering benefits that other options (like traditional dentures) cannot match. Some of the primary advantages of dental implants include:

Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone deterioration or unwanted changes to your facial appearance. No other tooth replacement option actively preserves the health of your bones.

Implants do not require any surrounding or adjacent teeth to be shaved, sanded, or otherwise compromised, as is often the case with dentures and bridges. Dental implants represent an excellent option for preserving overall oral health.

Dental implants, when properly cared for and maintained, have the potential to serve you indefinitely. However, individual experiences can vary widely based on personal oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and overall health.

Dental implants not only look like your natural teeth, but they also behave like your natural teeth. Once fully healed, dental implants will allow you to enjoy your favorite foods as normal.

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Dental implant quality

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As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, we have been extensively trained to successfully place dental implants. Our team uses the latest implant techniques and technology available to provide patients with outstanding surgical care and achieve optimal results.

The Dental Implant Process

Placing dental implants is a multi-step process, with each step designed to promote the best outcomes.

Your Initial Consultation

At your initial consultation, you will meet one-on-one with one of our oral surgeons. During this meeting, you will provide a full dental and medical history, allowing your surgeon to make an informed decision about your eligibility for a safe and successful procedure. Additionally, your surgeon will review images to help determine the best-suited treatment plan and answer any questions you may have about dental implant placement.

Preparing for Surgery

In some cases, you may need to have preparatory procedures in order to ready your mouth for dental implant placement. These procedures may involve the extraction of a non-viable tooth, or bone grafting to ensure adequate jawbone density. Additionally, your surgeon may recommend that you take certain steps to prepare for surgery and recovery, like abstaining from certain medications or supplements that could compromise the healing process. We also recommend taking a few days off from work and arranging transportation home after the surgery.

Day of Surgery

When you arrive for your dental implant placement, our patient care team will warmly welcome you, then invite you back to a private and comfortable treatment area. Local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation are all available to help you enjoy a smooth surgical experience. The placement process usually takes at most 20 to 30 minutes for a single implant.

Recovery

Most dental implant patients need to rest and heal for a few days, but you should be ready to return to work within three to five days. During your recovery, we advise that you avoid chewing on the surgical site, steer clear of spicy or sugary foods, and keep the surgical site clean. While you can anticipate some minor discomfort, you can manage it with over-the-counter or prescription medications.

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See how life-changing dental implants can be. Learn more about the dental implants experience and how to get the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

During your initial consultation, your oral surgeon will verify that you are eligible for safe and successful implant placement. Virtually all patients are eligible for surgery, though some may need a bone graft to ensure they have sufficient jawbone to anchor their implants in place.

Ideal candidates for dental implant placement:

  • Are missing one or more teeth or anticipate having teeth removed.
  • Are in good health overall.
  • Do not have any untreated periodontal diseases.
  • Have clear expectations about the surgery and recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oral surgeons are qualified to administer all forms of anesthesia, which we offer to all of our patients undergoing any type of procedure. The type most suitable for you depends on the complexity of your procedure. Most patients experience little to no discomfort with the use of local anesthesia or laughing gas, while others with dental phobias elect to undergo IV sedation. We will help you select what’s right for you during the consultation.

Yes, these are called immediate implants. If you’re having a tooth extracted and would like it replaced immediately, we can place the implant post into the empty socket, providing you have enough jaw bone to support it. This reduces the number of appointments needed to restore the tooth.

Most patients return to their normal routines within a few days following surgery. We provide detailed instructions outlining diet recommendations and how to keep swelling at bay to ensure a smooth, speedy recovery. Meanwhile, it will take several months for the implant post to fully heal as it fuses with the jaw bone.

If you are healthy enough to undergo general surgery, you are likely healthy enough for a dental implant. You may not be a candidate if you have certain medical conditions that suppress the immune system, blood clotting disorders, or others that would interfere with the implant’s success.

Schedule Your Dental Implants Consultation Today

Tooth loss can affect your smile, confidence, and quality of life. Dental implants represent the most viable option for tooth restoration for many of our patients. At Greater Michigan Oral Surgeons & Dental Implant Center, we have experience providing implants for patients throughout Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, Owosso, Oxford, and Midland. To schedule a consultation, contact us directly at any of our practice locations.

Types of Anesthesia

We offer a variety of anesthetic options to make your experience as pleasant and comfortable as possible. The method of sedation used depends on your preference, the nature of the procedure, and your medical history.

Local, Nitrous Oxide, and IV Sedation

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Dental Implant Experience

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“Everyone was super nice and professional. I was super nervous and have never had any type of surgery done..”
Sheryl

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