Every year, hundreds of Galesburg patients visit Dr. Busch, Dr. Otte, and Dr. Schroeder because they are interested in learning more about dental implants. This advanced tooth-replacement system offers men and women of all ages a fully functional, natural-looking solution to their damaged or missing teeth. Not only that, but dental implants are permanent, unlike tooth-replacement options of the past that merely sit on top of the gums. But how do dental implants stay in place? That is exactly what we’re talking about in this post, so keep reading.
How Dental Implants Are Secured
Dental implants are small titanium rods that are surgically placed directly into the jawbone by a dental surgeon like one of our doctors. Once placed, the implants will eventually fuse to the bone and become permanently secured within the mouth. This means that they will not slip or slide about the mouth, make noise, or damage the surrounding teeth or bone the way other dental replacement options often do.
Ideal Candidates for Dental Implants
In order to determine whether or not dental implants are the option for your damaged or missing teeth, the first thing you should do is schedule an initial appointment with one of our doctors in our Galesburg office. During your appointment, your doctor will perform a full oral evaluation, take any needed X-rays or images, listen as you describe your oral and overall health history, and answer any questions you have regarding the procedure. He will also perform a screening to determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants.
In general, dental implants will be a good option for you if you:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Have a jawbone that has reached full growth
- Have adequate bone to secure the dental implants, or are able to have a bone graft
- Have healthy oral tissues
- Do not have health conditions that will affect bone healing
- Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
- Want to improve your speech
- Are willing to commit several months to the process
- Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products
Once the doctors at Associated Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons have completed your evaluation and determined your eligibility, they will work with you to develop a treatment plan that will suit your needs and meet your goals.
Our doctors believe that your dental work should be performed by specialists in each area to provide the optimal outcome, which is why they will plan and place your dental implants, and your restorative doctor will fabricate and attach your new teeth or dentures. Our implant center in Galesburg will work to coordinate each visit and be your single point of contact.
The Procedure
When the time comes to place your dental implants, your doctor will begin by making a tiny cut in your gum to expose your jawbone. He will then carefully create a hole in which to place the dental implant. Because dental implants are designed to replace the missing tooth root, each implant will be placed deep within the bone to ensure complete fusion.
After your doctor has placed your implants, an abutment will be placed on top. This piece serves as a resting place for your final crowns. While you wait for your dental implants to heal, you will be fitted with temporary crowns so you will not have a gap in your smile. This will ensure that you can eat, speak, and smile confidently while you wait for your final crowns.
Once our doctors have determined you have completely healed, they will refer you to your Galesburg restorative dentist for placement of your final crowns, and your new smile will be complete.
Let Our Doctors Restore Your Smile
Dental implantology is a cornerstone of Associated Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, and as such, our doctors are specialists in the placement of dental implants.
If you are ready to find out if dental implants are right for you, contact them today in Galesburg at (309) 247-8691 to book an initial consultation.
