Implant Dentistry
Confidence That Lasts a Lifetime
What to Expect
The Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants consist of posts that are surgically placed into the jaw by a surgeon selected by Dr Vinson, where they function as a sturdy anchor for the crown. This is a popular option for patients who want to permanently restore their smiles. However, the procedure does require healthy jawbone and gums. Once the dental implant is placed and fully healed, Dr. Vinson will attach a custom-made, natural looking crown to the abutment that's attached to the post. If you have one or two missing teeth, dental implants could be right for you.
The details of your dental implant procedure may vary based on whether you need a single-tooth restoration or a full-mouth restoration. However, the implant process always begins with a consultation at our office, where Dr. Vinson will assess your smile to help you determine whether implants are the right treatment for your needs.
Once a plan is in place that you, Dr Vinson, and your surgeon all agree upon, your surgery will be scheduled where your implants will be placed into the jawbone. Your new implants will then need to heal for a period of 3-6 months so that they “osseointegrate” (bond permanently with your jaw bone). After healing your surgeon will see you for a final visit where your implants will be tested for strength and appropriate healing. At this point, you will be officially released and Dr Vinson can begin the fabrication process of your final crowns. You may need to come in for several appointments to have it fitted and ensure that it looks seamless with the rest of your smile. During your final appointment, your restoration will be permanently attached.
The Healing & Recovery Process
The initial recovery from a dental implant after surgery will take a few days for swelling to subside, and around 2 weeks for tissue to recover. However, it will take 3-6 months for your implant to bond with the surrounding bone. Once this happens, Dr Vinson can begin making your restoration.
Immediately after your implant surgery, you can expect swelling, with some discomfort and bruising around the implant site, as well as minor bleeding. Your surgeon will prescribe you pain medication and antibiotics, in most cases. As you heal, eat soft foods until the surgical area is back to normal. This usually takes about a week. In addition, keep brushing and flossing, but be very gentle around the surgical site to avoid discomfort or damaging your stitches.
Most of your discomfort should go away within about a week. If you’re still feeling a lot of pain or swelling after a week, make a follow-up with your surgeon right away. After about two weeks, the implant site should feel back to normal, and you should be able to brush around the area normally, eat your favorite foods, and get back to your day-to-day life. The only cases where you will be limited to a softer diet for extended periods of time are when you have had an All-On-X type procedure.
Learn more about All-On-X
Why You Should Get Implants
From A Prosthodontist
Very few dentists are prosthodontists. There are only about 3,500 prosthodontists in America. Prosthodontists, like Dr. Vinson, have studied implant dentistry and restorative dentistry at the best dental institutions. This means that Dr. Vinson is a specialist when it comes to placing dental restorations, so you will get better overall results from your treatment.
Working with a prosthodontist like Dr. Vinson is the best way to ensure that your new smile looks great, and that you can get the highest-quality dental implants. Contact us now to schedule a consultation at Advanced Dentistry of Mount Pleasant.
Do I have to
Replace My Missing Tooth?
Yes. If you’ve lost a tooth, we highly recommend that you have it replaced. Tooth loss is a serious oral health issue, and can lead to further complications. For example, after you lose a tooth, the nearby teeth will tend to shift toward the now-empty area where the tooth used to be.
This can ruin the alignment of your teeth, change your appearance, and even raise your risk of cavities if your teeth become harder to clean. Getting a dental implant prevents this, and keeps your mouth healthy.
Another big problem after tooth loss is bone resorption. This is a process by which the bone underneath the missing tooth weakens over time. Within a year of tooth loss, the bone may lose up to 25% of its mass.
Dental implants are the only way to prevent this. Unlike bridges and dentures, which sit on top of the gums, implants are placed directly into the jaw bone. This means that, just like a natural tooth, they place pressure on the jaw when you eat, bite, and chew. This keeps the bone strong and prevents bone resorption.
Missing teeth have other obvious negative effects, too. They affect your appearance and self-esteem, and can make it harder to eat your favorite foods or to speak clearly. For all of these reasons, we highly recommend that you have your missing tooth replaced with a dental implant from Dr. Vinson at Advanced Dentistry of Mount Pleasant.
Questions?
Speak to Our Dental Implant Team Today
Our skilled staff at Advanced Dentistry of Mount Pleasant is standing by to answer any questions you may have about dental implants. Visit our office or contact us today to learn more about our dental implant procedure or to discuss whether this permanent solution for missing teeth is the right treatment for you. We want to make sure you are informed and confident about any treatment you receive at our practice.
Before & Afters
Frequently Asked Questions for All-on-X
How are they different from dentures?
All-on-X dental implants are permanent screwed in prosthetics that are brushed and cleaned like natural teeth, do not have to be taken out, do not need adhesives, are comfortable because they do not press down on your gums, allow you to experience the hot and cold of your food, as well as the taste, allow you to bite with increased force (up to 70% more), so you can eat all of your favorite foods again, prevent bone deterioration and restore your facial features.
Will my results look natural?
Absolutely. This technique gives you permanent teeth that look, feel and function just like real prosthetics. No one will know you have implants unless you tell them. Many of our photos on the website are of natural looking smiles restored with the All-on-X procedure. Visit our before and after page to read stories from real patients who have received dental implant treatment.
What is the success rate of dental implants with this type of procedure?
Published studies show a 98% success rate using All-on-X dental implants. It is very important to keep up with regular hygiene visits to keep the area around the implants clean and disease free. Also, smoking is a major factor in the failure of all dental implants.
When do I get permanent teeth after implants are placed?
As with any surgery, you need time to heal. A temporary set of teeth will be placed on your implants at the time of surgery. Adjustments by Dr Vinson will be made during the healing process, which can take 3-6 months. Once the healing process is complete, your permanent prosthetic will be placed after a series of visits with Dr Vinson to finalize your smile.
What if I just need implants on my bottom arch?
This procedure can be placed on just the upper or lower arch. Dr Vinson will evaluate your specific circumstance and determine if you would benefit from both upper and lower arch surgery, or if you are a candidate for a single arch replacement. This service will be tailored to your individual needs.
What type of cleaning is required after an implant is placed?
Dental implants should be treated like your natural teeth with daily brushing and water-flossing. Our dental hygienists will review oral hygiene instructions with you and will recommend the most appropriate oral hygiene schedule that fits your needs. Implants can’t get cavities, but they can get bone disease, which is why a regular hygiene schedule should be maintained.
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