Dental Implants Corinth

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium or zirconia posts that are surgically planted below the gumline and into the jawbone. Because titanium and zirconia are biocompatible, the implants can fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration, allowing them to function like your natural tooth roots. After this process, Dr. Mackie can restore any number of missing teeth by securing custom-crafted crowns, bridges, or dentures to the implant posts to complete your new smile.

The 4-Step Dental Implant Process

• Initial Consultation: The first step of every dental implant treatment is a consultation with Dr. Mackie. During this appointment, our team will examine your mouth and help you determine whether dental implants are right for you. Before you commit to moving forward with the treatment, we’ll answer any questions you may have and provide you with a timeline and detailed cost estimate.
• Dental Implant Surgery: Dr. Mackie partners with leading specialists in Corinth for this part of the process, ensuring that your implants are placed precisely to maximize their lifespan.
• Osseointegration: For the following three to six months after your surgery, your implants will fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This allows them to act as your tooth roots, supplying ample blood flow and stimulation to the bone to keep it from eroding.
• Placing the Final Prosthetics: After you’ve healed from your surgery, our team will place small metal connector pieces on the tops of your implants. These will anchor your dental crown, bridge, or denture securely in place to resemble natural teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants in Corinth are a top choice for patients looking for the best tooth replacement solution because of the variety of unique benefits they offer. These advantages include:

• Improve your oral health and prevent further tooth loss.
• Boosted confidence from natural-looking and feeling replacement teeth.
• Ability to last 35 or more years with good care.
• Easy to maintain.
• Enhanced eating and speaking abilities due to better stability.
• No need for messy adhesive or slipping and shifting restorations.
• No preparation of the natural teeth is required.
• Preservation of jawbone and facial structure.

Who Dental Implants Can Help

If you’re struggling with tooth loss, but you aren’t thrilled about the idea of wearing traditional braces, we have good news: dental implants are extremely versatile. In this next section, we’re going to cover some helpful information, including the qualities we look for in a good candidate. Of course, you’re also welcome to give us a call if you’re ready to schedule an appointment with our team at Loretto Family Dentistry!

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

During your consultation with Dr. Mackie or Dr. Barkley, they will review your medical history, take a look at your latest X-rays, complete a visual exam, and learn about your daily habits. The goal is to determine:

• If your jawbone is strong enough to support dental implants
• If your gums (and any remaining teeth you have) are healthy
• If you’re committed to healthy habits, like brushing and flossing
• If you’re willing to break bad habits, like smoking

With all of this information, they can determine if dental implants are the best tooth-replacement solution for you.

Missing One Tooth

Are you missing only one tooth? Whether it’s one of your molars or a tooth that’s on display when you smile, we have good news: we may be able to replace it with a single dental implant! If that’s the case, then we will surgically insert the implant into your jawbone and allow the two to fuse together. Then, we will secure a custom dental crown on top, effectively restoring the visible portion of your tooth as well.

Missing Multiple Teeth

What if you are missing multiple teeth in a row? If that’s the case, traditional dental bridges are no longer your only option! Implant bridges are a great alternative for a few reasons, starting with the fact that the surrounding teeth don’t need to be altered. They also have a longer lifespan (they can last for well over a decade with proper care and maintenance!).

Missing All Teeth

If you don’t have any of your natural teeth left, don’t hesitate to ask us about implant dentures in Corinth! This state-of-the-art tooth-replacement solution allows us to replace every tooth in an arch, restoring your ability to smile confidently, eat a variety of foods, and enunciate clearly. Every aspect of your restoration is custom-made as well, ensuring that it looks as good as it feels.

If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, including which type we recommend for you, don’t hesitate to take the next step: schedule a consultation at our Corinth office!