Dental Implants in Shawnee, KS

 

The Only Permanent Way to Replace Missing Teeth

If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants are a permanent solution restoring your ability to speak clearly and eat all the foods you love. Whether you are missing a single tooth or all your teeth, the dentists at Martin Family Dentistry can restore your smile with a beautiful set of replacement teeth permanently attached to implants in the jawbone.

Ready To Restore The Confidence In Your Smile?
Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!

Shawnee Dentist Office Phone Number 913-631-4373 Book Online

Dental Implant Single

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is composed of three parts – a titanium implant placed in the jawbone to replace the tooth root, a crown or dental prosthetic to replace the visible portion of the missing tooth, and an abutment that joins the two.

The implant is a small post or screw surgically inserted into the jawbone. The post gradually fuses to the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration. This creates a stable foundation for artificial teeth. If you are missing a single tooth, an individual implant supports a dental crown. For those missing more than one tooth, a fixed bridge or denture can be permanently attached to a set of four or more implants in the upper or lower jaw.

Advantages of Dental Implants

The titanium implants are designed to fuse with the jaw, becoming a permanent part of your mouth. With proper oral hygiene, they easily last 30 years or more and typically last a lifetime. The attached restorations may also last 20-30 years if cared for properly. If a restoration connected to the implant eventually needs to be replaced, it can be fixed easily if the implant is sturdy within your jawbone. Other advantages of dental implants include the following:

  • A complete, natural-looking smile
  • Easy care – you brush and floss dental implants like natural teeth
  • No worries about removable dentures that cause embarrassment by slipping or clicking
  • Improved oral health – dental implants prevent shifting of remaining teeth
  • Dental implants prevent jawbone deterioration caused by missing teeth
  • You can eat the foods you love, even crunchy, sticky, and hard foods, without difficulty or pain
  • Dental implants are convenient; you do not have to remove them at night or to clean them
  • Dental implants give you back your smile and support your cheeks so you avoid the sunken, prematurely aged appearance common with missing teeth.
  • Dental implants feel like natural teeth, with no rubbing or sore spots like dentures.

We Place Dental Implants!

The dental implant process is lengthy and complex. Many dental professionals can perform only the implant surgery while others focus on creating and placing the restorations. However, at Martin Family Dentistry, our dentists are experienced with all aspects of dental implant treatment, from the initial consultation to the placement of the final restorations. Our patients appreciate being able to see the same dentist throughout their treatment. We love creating beautiful, healthy smiles in-house. If there are any conditions preventing us from placing your implants here in our office, we proudly partner with multiple top-notch specialists in the KC Metro area.

How Long Does It Take to Get Dental Implants?

After the implants are placed in the jawbone, it takes 3-6 months for osseointegration. During this time, we provide a temporary prosthetic so you do not have to deal with missing teeth. For most patients, it takes a commitment of several months. You are on a soft diet for several weeks until the implants are stable enough for chewing. Once the implants have successfully fused with the jawbone, the temporary restorations are replaced by either individual crowns or a permanent bridge or denture.

Some patients do not have enough bone mass to support the implants due to jaw deterioration or a jaw ridge that is too thin. These patients will need bone grafts before surgery, which can add several months to the timeline. If you have oral health issues such as gum disease, these must be treated before implant surgery can be performed.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Dental implants are an excellent option for missing teeth replacement if you are in good overall health. Your jawbone and gums must be in good health, without any infection or disease. Patients with significant jawbone loss may need bone grafts before implants can be placed. Grafting does not interfere with the success of dental implants, although it may add to the timeline.

Dental implants may not be right for you if:

  • You have uncontrolled diabetes
  • You are a smoker
  • You use alcohol excessively
  • You have an autoimmune disease or blood clotting disorder
  • You have periodontal disease
  • You have severe osteoporosis (this can sometimes be corrected with bone grafts in the jawline) and have taken anti-resorptive medications

Can Multiple Teeth Be Replaced with Dental Implants?

Certainly! Depending on whether you are missing one tooth, several teeth, or a complete row of upper or lower teeth, there are several options. If more than one tooth is missing, we may place between four and six implants in the upper or lower jaw and attach either a dental bridge or full arch of replacement teeth to the implants using special abutments to spread the force of your bite across the implants and provide a beautiful, natural smile.

The first step toward permanently replacing missing teeth with dental implants is a consultation with one of our dentists. Contact our office at Shawnee Dentist Office Phone Number 913-631-4373 or use our online form to schedule an appointment with Martin Family Dentistry to learn more.