Dental Implants
Dental Implants in Kalispell, MT
Choose the Gold Standard for Tooth Replacement
In modern dentistry, the goal is to save our patients’ natural teeth and give them the tools and knowledge they need to keep them healthy in between visits, but when tooth loss does occur, the best option for appearance, function, and durability is replacing the missing teeth with dental implants.
The Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants
We evaluate each patient to make sure they have strong enough bone and gum tissue to support an implant before proceeding. Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone. This process requires healthy soft and hard tissues in order to work. Bone and gum grafting are options for patients who aren’t yet good candidates for dental implants, which means additional procedures and recovery time before the implant can be placed.
In some cases where the bone cannot support a standard implant, we may recommend a subperiosteal implant, meaning one that sits on top of the bone instead of being placed into it.
The Process
Getting one or more dental implants is a process that will take several months. The steps are:
- At your initial consultation, Dr. Jarvis will take X-rays and examine the dental implant site to determine if it can take an implant without additional procedures like a bone graft.
- When the implant is placed, Dr. Jarvis will drill a small hole into the jawbone and carefully position the implant inside it. You will receive detailed instructions before and after your procedure to ensure the best possible results.
- During the recovery period, the implant will fuse to the surrounding bone over a few months in a process called osseointegration. We may fit a temporary denture or bridge over the implant so that you are able to speak and eat normally during this stage.
- Once the bone has healed, we can place the final restoration, and your implant is complete! Implants can be anchors for fixed crowns or removable dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Does getting a dental implant hurt?
No. You will be under local anesthesia and some form of sedation to help you relax during the procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
Placing the implant screw into the jawbone typically takes up to an hour, but after that it takes months for the implant to fuse to the bone and fully heal.
How will implants affect other treatment like orthodontics or teeth whitening?
Dental implants do not change color and they do not move, so any orthodontic treatment or teeth whitening should be completed before the implant is placed. If the implant is a back tooth, though, it won’t be as much of a concern for whitening because it isn’t visible when you smile.
Why do I need to replace my tooth?
Missing teeth can lead to a variety of problems for your oral health. Like our muscles when we don’t exercise, the jawbone where the tooth used to be will atrophy. The surrounding teeth will begin to shift towards the gap, affecting your overall bite. If it is a missing front tooth, the gap will also impact your appearance and your ability to speak clearly.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation
If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to learn more about dental implants, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jarvis at Great Northern Dental Care, PC. We’re excited to work with you on your journey back to a complete smile!
Dental implants are effective for lost teeth from injury, disease, or decay. These small, titanium-based posts are inserted into the jawbone to serve as replacement tooth roots for lost teeth. They are then topped with a dental crown or bridge to restore the appearance and function of the missing teeth.
Implant-supported artificial teeth have high success rates and are the new standard in tooth replacement. Three parts make up a dental implant:
- The implant: a small titanium post inserted into the empty tooth socket.
- The abutment: a small metal piece connecting the implant and crown.
- The dental crown: an artificial tooth matched perfectly to your natural teeth, attached to the implant.
The first step in the placement of dental implants is to have a consultation with Dr. Jarvis. During this appointment, he examines the patient’s mouth, takes x-rays, and assesses the condition of the jawbone and surrounding teeth.
Dental implants require a sufficient amount of healthy jawbone to hold them in place. If there is not enough jawbone, a bone graft may be necessary to build up the area before the procedure.
In the next step, the implant is inserted into a small hole drilled into the jawbone. The implant is left to heal and fuse with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration which typically takes several months. During this healing period, Dr. Jarvis may fit the patient with a temporary denture or bridge to help them eat and speak while they wait for their permanent restoration.
Once the implant has healed, in a second surgical procedure, Dr. Jarvis places the abutment through the gums, which links the implant to the restoration. Implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a complete upper and lower arch. Learn more about dental implants here.
Dental implants can help restore the appearance and function of the teeth. They also help to preserve the jawbone and prevent the remaining teeth from shifting, which can occur when a missing tooth is not replaced.
Additionally, because dental implants are fused to the jawbone, they feel, look, and function like natural teeth, which can help to boost self-confidence and overall quality of life. But the benefits go beyond this:
- Improved appearance: With tooth loss comes bone loss. The facial structure changes shape without bone support, making you appear older and gaunt.
- Easy care & convenience: Implants don’t require glue or a cleaning tablet. Oral hygiene is the same as natural teeth.
- Improved oral health: Dental implants can’t get cavities. Nor do they need to be attached to neighboring teeth like bridges, improving oral health significantly.
- Easier speaking: Removable dentures tend to slip and slide in the mouth, causing slurring and mumbling.
- Easier eating: Implants are so secure in your jaw that they allow you to bite with the same force as natural teeth. You can enjoy all the foods you love once again.
- Bone loss prevention: Bones need constant stimulation from teeth so as not to deteriorate. Dental Implants provide jaw bone stimulation.
- Durability: Other tooth replacement options need repairs or to be replaced entirely. If properly cared for, implants can last a whole lifetime.
Dental Implants require regular maintenance, just like natural teeth, with twice-yearly checkups and cleanings to ensure the implants are healthy and stable. It’s also essential to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease, which can compromise the implant’s health. Follow this link to learn more.
It is important to note that, like with any surgery, implant dentistry does come with a risk, such as pain, bleeding, swelling, and infection. However, these risks are generally low and can be reduced by following proper care instructions and maintaining good oral hygiene before and after the procedure.
If you want to know if you are a good candidate for dental implants, book your appointment at 406.257.5696. At Great Northern Dental, we look forward to speaking with you and helping you rediscover your smile.
If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to learn more about dental implants, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jarvis at Great Northern Dental Care, PC. We’re excited to work with you on your journey back to a complete smile!
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
If you don't have dental insurance, Great Northern Dental Care has excellent news!
We have created our Great Northern Smile Club specifically to help our uninsured patients. For a low monthly subscription fee, Great Northern Dental Care will provide you and/or your family with preventative care and 10% off most restorative services.
