Dental Implants in Flint, MI
Replace Missing Teeth
Many people will end up missing an adult tooth during their lives. Missing a tooth can cause you to feel as though your smile is incomplete and can negatively impact your self-esteem. The team at Greater Michigan Oral Surgeons & Dental Implant Center wants to help you achieve a healthy smile that you can be proud of.
A dental implant is made up of a titanium implant post, a connecting abutment, and a custom-made crown. Together, these parts replicate the appearance and function of a natural tooth while providing you with the benefit of having a complete smile without having to worry about removable parts or dentures.
Why Should I Get a Dental Implant?
Not only does missing a tooth poorly affect your self-esteem, but it also has negative health benefits. A tooth’s root stimulates the jaw bone during chewing, which keeps it healthy. When a tooth is missing, the jaw bone begins to atrophy in that area. This can lead to facial sagging and cause nearby teeth to shift into the empty gap.
There must be enough jaw bone to support the implant. Bone grafts are a remarkable solution to regrow bone in a specific area, making implant placement possible. We may place a bone graft prior to placing the implant so that your jaw is as sturdy as possible and the implant will have a healthy foundation. Having a healthy jaw promotes healthy gums, which reduces or eliminates the risk of periodontal disease.
Patients missing all or many of their teeth may be candidates for full-arch restoration. This life-changing procedure uses dental implants to support a fixed denture and restores complete look and functionality to your smile.
The 4 Biggest Advantages of Dental Implants
Easy to Care For.
Dental implants are permanent and do not come out or need to be removed, unlike dentures. Simply brush and floss your dental implant like a natural tooth to keep it clean and healthy.
Lasting Results.
The post fuses with your jaw bone, making the implant a permanent part of your smile. Dental implants stay in your mouth when you eat and brush your teeth, eliminating the inconvenience of removable parts.
Improve Your Health.
A dental implant is the only tooth replacement option that maintains the integrity of the jaw. Having a post to stimulate the jaw bone prevents it from deteriorating, unlike dentures, which do not stimulate the jaw bone or help keep it strong.
Regain Confidence.
With dental implants, you can live without feeling the need to hide your smile or avoid eating your favorite foods. Dental implants look so natural, most people can’t even distinguish them from natural teeth.
Types of Dental Implants
There are several types of dental implants to consider when replacing a missing tooth or teeth. Your treatment will be modified to meet your exact oral health needs.
- Single Implants. One dental implant is used to replace one missing tooth. This can be repeated as many times as you need throughout your mouth.
- Implant-Supported Bridge. This replaces several teeth that are missing beside each other in the dental arch. Traditional bridges require the neighboring teeth to be sanded down in order to fit the prosthesis, while dental implants can support the bridge instead and protect your other teeth.
- Immediate Implants. If you’re having a tooth removed, we can place the implant post into the empty socket immediately following extractions. This reduces the number of surgical procedures necessary for restoration.
- Full-Arch Restoration. Dental implants can support permanent dentures in one or both arches of teeth, resulting in a brand new, fully functioning smile. The results are life-changing and allow you to live with a completely new smile while the dental implants act as tooth roots to keep the jaw healthy.
Our team of surgeons are experts in implant dentistry and will help determine the right course of action for restoring your smile.
The Dental Implant Procedure
On the day of your surgery, your surgeon will administer the selected form of anesthesia to help you relax and reduce discomfort. Your surgeon will make a small incision in the gum tissue, place the implant post, and place sutures where necessary. Over the next few months, the post will fuse with your jaw bone. Once healed, the abutment is attached, and you will visit your restorative dentist to receive the crown.
The duration of the procedure may vary if you require additional treatments, such as extractions or bone grafts. We will discuss these during the consultation and answer any questions you have about your oral surgery journey. It is our goal to improve your oral health in the most enjoyable way possible, and our staff is always here to answer questions or guide you through the recovery process.
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.
Cost and Value of Dental Implants
The cost of your dental implant will depend on how many you need, your insurance, if you need extractions or bone grafts, and your choice of anesthesia. We will outline the cost for your treatment at the consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
Many patients turn to dental implants to restore missing teeth because they look and feel natural. They have a 98% success rate and can last a lifetime when cared for properly.
Removable dentures are often uncomfortable and must be replaced every 5 years. Dentures can cause sores, and many people find it an inconvenience to remove them during eating and brushing. Similarly, removable bridges must be specially cared for and replaced every few years.
While these options may seem cheaper upfront, they can lead to complex and costly procedures in the future to restore bone structure and functionality. It is clear that by choosing dental implants, you can restore your smile with ease and confidence that it will remain healthy for years to come.
Renew your confidence, restore your health.
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.
Restore Your Smile in Flint, MI
Greater Michigan Oral Surgeons & Dental Implant Center is the premier practice for restoring missing teeth in Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, Owosso, Oxford, and Midland, Michigan. Contact our office in Flint to schedule an appointment with our oral surgeons and highly skilled staff. Our Flint, MI, office proudly serves the surrounding areas of Burton, Davison, Fenton, Grand Blanc, and Lapeer.
Denture Replacement With Dental Implants
Dentures can be a quick way to restore the appearance of missing teeth, but patients who wear dentures often find them to feel uncomfortable. It can be a hassle to remove your teeth during meals, and ill-fitting dentures can cause oral sores. Although dentures are cheaper upfront, the cost of replacing them every few years can add up. Dentures do not prevent jaw bone loss, which can lead to costly and extensive bone repair treatment.
Dental implants eliminate these inconveniences by providing secure, long-term tooth replacement. You can replace your dentures with a fixed prosthesis held in place with dental implants, known as full-arch restoration. Many patients who wear dentures turn to implant-based restoration to achieve a comfortable and fully functioning smile. If you are looking for a denture replacement in Flint, MI, we encourage you to contact our office.
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.
Hear From Dental Implant Patients
These patients can tell you about the firsthand experience undergoing dental implant at our office.
Reviews From Our Dental Implant Patients
Suzanne
Dental Implant
Patient
"Well, I had some bridges that were disintegrating and needed to be taken out, and that was going to cause some empty spaces, so my dentist suggested implants. First time—very nervous. It's not something that I had been through, so I didn't know what to expect. They just were very comfortable, very good at explaining what I would be going through and what to expect, so that helped. First time, I was still nervous, but I felt better about it once I had heard from them what would be happening. I'm in the chair just like any dentist's office letting them work on me, and they are very good about talking to you and asking you if you're okay. Dr. Frey is probably one of the nicest guys I know. He just makes you feel at home."
Flo
Dental Implant
Patient
"Right away, we were greeted with a very friendly attitude and a comfortable feeling. Dr. Frey is a very friendly, people person is what I would call him. He made my husband Bob feel very comfortable. He was totally patient, able to answer every question that he had. Overall, our experience was one of complete satisfaction and comfort with the treatment we received, from everyone starting from the office to Dr. Frey. I would give Greater Michigan Oral Surgeons a five-star rating because they deserve it."
Calvin
Dental Implant
Patient
"My doctor — I've been with him for years — so I asked him . . . you know, he told me pretty much what I needed to do, and that was the bone implant. So, him being the guy he is, I asked him, "Give me the best place to go and the best person you know to do the work." So he suggested Dr. Lesneski here. I was terrified; you know, you hear so many things about, you know, drilling into your bone. But once I got here, they made me feel totally comfortable before the procedure. Dr. Lesneski did two dental implants; they gave me pain medication for after the procedure, but I didn't even take it. He called me, actually, after he did the procedure to check on me. That's rare, and it's a great experience, and I would pass it on for anybody who considers that procedure going forward or in the future to consider this place. It's really good."
Maddy
Dental Implant
Patient
"I had to get a bone graft and an implant. I had a spot in my tooth where the adult tooth wasn't there, and it was really uncomfortable because I had to wear a retainer every day. I was really nervous, but they made me feel very welcome. It was very easy; it was a two-process thing. I came in one day to get my bone graft and then the next time, I came in to get my implant, and it was all super easy and quick. The staff was really welcoming and nice and friendly. Dr. Lesneski was super nice and super welcoming and made me feel very comfortable. I feel super confident now, and it's nice not having the problem of not having the tooth."
Erisa
Dental Implant
Patient
"I had a wisdom tooth that I needed to have taken out—I put it off for a very long time—and I also needed an implant put in. I was scared. I do not like be sedated—until I met Dr. Lesneski. It went really well. I was sedated, my procedure felt like it took a minute, even though I'm sure it took a lot longer, and I went home, recovered pretty fast, and everything went back to normal. I do like his office. His staff is very friendly. I really appreciate the fact he walked me through the entire procedure and made me feel safe. I would highly recommend Greater Michigan Oral Surgeons, especially Dr. Lesneski."
Frequently Asked Questions
How painful is it to get dental implants?
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.
Can dental implants be done in one day?
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.
How long does it take to recover from dental implant surgery?
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.
Who is not suitable for dental implants?
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.
Our Team Is Here To Help
Learn more about our practice or contact us to schedule an appointment.