Dental implants are one of the most popular treatments for tooth loss. At Paradigm Dental, the implant is surgically placed within the jawbone where the tooth root used to be, and an artificial crown is attached to the abutment. This prosthetic looks and feels like natural teeth and can be cleaned and cared for just as your natural teeth. When properly taken care of, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Patients love dental implants because they offer a natural look that blends in with the rest of their smiles. Additionally, there is no need to worry about dentures slipping or falling out while eating or talking. As long as you continue to care for your implants with regular checkups and cleanings, they should continue looking and functioning great for years to come.

The Procedure for Dental Implant 

The implant is a titanium post placed into the jawbone and acts as an artificial root. It will eventually be hidden beneath the gum line, creating a solid foundation for the replacement tooth to be attached to. Next, an abutment is screwed onto the top of the implant. This small connector piece secures the dental crown to the implant and holds it in place. After the implant has healed and the jaw has fused with the implant, we’ll place a beautiful custom crown over the abutment to complete your smile makeover. We craft all our restorations in our lab to ensure the best possible result that will blend seamlessly with your smile. Dental implants provide comfort and security for your bite and the appearance of a natural-looking smile that can last a lifetime.

The Advantages of Dental Implants

• Unlike dentures or bridges, implants cannot be removed at will. Instead, they are permanently affixed to the jawbone and are cared for like natural teeth. The implant has a natural look and feel, which won’t make you self-conscious about smiling in public.
• Having an implant placed is the first step toward actually being able to eat whatever you want again. Traditional bridges and dentures often need to be put in the right place when people talk or chew. With dental implants, you never have to worry about this and can return to enjoying your favorite foods without worrying about slipping your teeth. And when properly cared for, your dental implant can last for the rest of your life.
• When missing a tooth, bone loss can be a significant concern. The jawbone begins to recede when the tooth can no longer stimulate it. This can lead to substantial problems, including further tooth loss and changes to the shape of the face. However, dental implants can stop bone loss in the jaw because they are implanted directly into the bone, mimicking the function of the lost tooth root.

Ideal Candidates for Dental Implants

Adequate Bone Structure: Successful implant placement requires sufficient bone volume and density to support the titanium implant. Patients who have lost teeth recently typically have better bone structure than those who have been missing teeth for extended periods. However, even patients with some bone loss may be candidates for implants with the help of bone grafting procedures.

Good Overall Health: While dental implants have very high success rates, certain medical conditions and medications can affect healing and osseointegration. Patients with well-controlled diabetes, heart disease, or other medical conditions can often receive implants successfully, but may require additional precautions and monitoring.

Commitment to Oral Hygiene: Long-term implant success depends heavily on maintaining excellent oral hygiene and attending regular dental checkups. Patients who demonstrate a commitment to oral health care are ideal candidates for implant treatment.

Non-Smokers or Willing to Quit: Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure by impairing healing and reducing blood flow to the tissues. Patients who smoke are encouraged to quit before undergoing implant surgery to maximize their chances of success.

Realistic Expectations: Successful implant treatment requires patients who understand the process, timeline, and commitment involved. Those with realistic expectations about the treatment process and outcomes tend to be more satisfied with their results.

Timing Considerations for Implant Placement

Immediate Implant Placement: In some cases, an implant can be placed immediately after tooth extraction during the same appointment. This approach, known as immediate implant placement, can reduce the overall treatment time and may help preserve bone and soft tissue architecture. However, immediate placement is only appropriate in specific situations where there is adequate bone support and no active infection.

Delayed Implant Placement: More commonly, implants are placed several months after tooth extraction to allow for complete healing of the extraction site. This delayed approach may be necessary when there is infection present, insufficient bone structure, or other complications that need to be addressed before implant placement.

Bone Grafting Considerations: If bone loss has occurred at the implant site, bone grafting procedures may be necessary before or during implant placement. These procedures can add several months to the overall treatment timeline but are essential for ensuring long-term implant success.

Conclusion: Investing in Your Smile and Health

Dental implants represent the pinnacle of modern tooth replacement technology, offering unmatched benefits in terms of function, aesthetics, durability, and overall health preservation. When faced with a broken tooth that cannot be effectively restored, implants provide a permanent solution that not only replaces the lost tooth but actually improves upon its function and appearance.

The comprehensive nature of implant treatment addresses not just the immediate problem of tooth loss, but also the long-term consequences that would occur without proper replacement. By preserving bone structure, protecting adjacent teeth, and providing stable, natural-looking tooth replacement, implants contribute to better oral health outcomes and improved quality of life for decades to come.

If you want dental implants, contact Paradigm Dental at 3970 SW Mercantile Dr. Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035, or call (503) 626-7323 to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. We can provide the dental care you need to restore your smile.