Dental Implants
If you have lost one or several teeth, removable or short-term solutions like partial dentures and dental bridges are no longer your only options! You can choose to have your missing teeth permanently replaced with dental implants. Strong and durable, dental implants look and act like healthy natural teeth. In fact, their design is comparable to that of real teeth, consisting of a titanium post (tooth root) and a dental crown or bridge (visible portion of teeth), and can restore over 98 percent of function and natural smile aesthetics. When placed and restored by implant specialists, dental implants in Midcoast Maine, truly are the tooth replacement of choice if you are missing one or more teeth.
Interested In Dental Implants?
See If You Qualify, Complete The Short 30 Second Survey Below For A Free Consult
What is involved in a dental implant
- Initial Evaluation
Dr. Ross will first do a comprehensive examination to determine the best to determine the condition of your jawbone and the best dental implant procedure. This initial evaluation includes X-rays, taking impressions, and matching the color of your teeth to make your implant look as natural as possible.
You will determine how many teeth you want to replace with implants, which could take some additional planning with other dental specialists, like periodontists, depending on your oral health condition.
You will also discuss all your medical conditions and medications. Depending on your condition or orthopedic implants, you may need to take antibiotics before the surgery to avoid infection.
- Tooth Extraction
If you still have a remaining tooth that needs replacing, your dentist will remove it before the dental work is performed. You can have this done at the same time as the implant insertion.
Dr. Ross will discuss anesthesia options. Most likely, Dr. Ross will use a local anesthetic to feel numb and take away any pain. It shouldn’t take long to remove the tooth unless it’s fractured.
You will just feel a little tug and pressure while the tooth is extracted. After you get the extraction, you should avoid blowing your nose, smoking, spitting excessively, or drinking through a straw. These actions can create a dry socket and pain.
Placing the Dental Implant:
There are two types of dental implants: one where the implant is inserted into your jawbone and the other that goes directly under the gumline. Let’s discuss if you have the implant added to your jawbone. If your current jawbone is strong and thick enough, you may not need to get any extra bone added.
Your jaw needs to be strong because there is a lot of pressure when you chew, and you need your bone to be strong to protect that implant. If your jaw needs some extra bone, this bone typically comes from another area of your jawbone away from the implant area.
You may have to let the bone heal first if you have a graft before you can add the implant. Once the bone heals, Dr. Ross will add the implant.
After the implant is added to your jawbone, the jawbone will begin to grow around the implant. The implant then becomes part of your natural gum line. This process varies by person and can take anywhere from 3 to 9 months.
Attaching the Dental Post:
Once your implant is stable enough, Dr. Ross will place an abutment on top of the implant. This piece connects the implant to your crown. The abutment needs to be tightened so it stays in place when you eat.
You will not feel anything during this procedure other than a little pressure. You will get local anesthesia to that area if needed
Sometimes the abutment can be placed at the same time as the implant since it goes past the gum line. It will be visible, so you will need to discuss how to mask this piece since it will show when you smile. Dr. Ross will add a healing cap to keep the tissue and bone from growing overtop of the abutment.
Placing the Crown
After your gums heal, Dr. Ross will make your crown, by scanning your teeth. If you are having multiple teeth in the back just like removable dentures, you may want the removable option so you can clean and replace if needed.
You can’t remove a fixed implant to replace or to clean. It is permanently screwed in the abutment or glued down with cement.
Financing Available
What patients are saying
The most professional dental team!
“A facilisis ornare risus eleifend adipiscing. Elementum orci quam gravida pellentesque pharetra pharetra quis. Adipiscing vel vulputate dignissim eu habitasse pharetra. Aliquet mauris sollicitudin ornare venenatis pulvinar mollis. Ac enim sed et purus egestas volutpat.”
- Darrell Steward -
Compassionate Care & Timely
“A facilisis ornare risus eleifend adipiscing. Elementum orci quam gravida pellentesque pharetra pharetra quis. Adipiscing vel vulputate dignissim eu habitasse pharetra. Aliquet mauris sollicitudin ornare venenatis pulvinar mollis. Ac enim sed et purus egestas volutpat.”
- Kathryn Murphy -
Compassionate Care & Timely
“A facilisis ornare risus eleifend adipiscing. Elementum orci quam gravida pellentesque pharetra pharetra quis. Adipiscing vel vulputate dignissim eu habitasse pharetra. Aliquet mauris sollicitudin ornare venenatis pulvinar mollis. Ac enim sed et purus egestas volutpat.”
- Marvin McKinney -
The most professional dental team!
“A facilisis ornare risus eleifend adipiscing. Elementum orci quam gravida pellentesque pharetra pharetra quis. Adipiscing vel vulputate dignissim eu habitasse pharetra. Aliquet mauris sollicitudin ornare venenatis pulvinar mollis. Ac enim sed et purus egestas volutpat.”
- Floyd Miles -
The most professional dental team!
“A facilisis ornare risus eleifend adipiscing. Elementum orci quam gravida pellentesque pharetra pharetra quis. Adipiscing vel vulputate dignissim eu habitasse pharetra. Aliquet mauris sollicitudin ornare venenatis pulvinar mollis. Ac enim sed et purus egestas volutpat.”
- Darrell Steward -
Compassionate Care & Timely
“A facilisis ornare risus eleifend adipiscing. Elementum orci quam gravida pellentesque pharetra pharetra quis. Adipiscing vel vulputate dignissim eu habitasse pharetra. Aliquet mauris sollicitudin ornare venenatis pulvinar mollis. Ac enim sed et purus egestas volutpat.”