Restore the Beauty and Function of Your Teeth
Missing or severely damaged teeth are more than uncomfortable; they often affect your ability to speak, eat, and smile with confidence. Fortunately, dental implants offer a highly effective solution to restore the function and beauty of your teeth. At Brown and Baran Family Dentistry, Drs. Paul E. Brown and Christopher S. Baran are skilled in placing dental implant restorations at their Wilmington and Seaford, DE, locations. Contact our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford office at (302) 536-7589 to learn more about this restorative option.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone to serve as the root of a missing tooth. The biocompatible material fuses with the jawbone, creating a stable foundation for prosthetic teeth like dental crowns, bridges, or dentures. Implant-supported restorations are highly durable and long-lasting, offering patients a reliable option to replace missing teeth.
Immediate-Load Implant Dentistry
At Brown & Baran Family Dentistry, we understand that waiting for your restoration after implant surgery can be inconvenient. That’s why we offer immediate-load implant dentistry, which allows you to leave our office with your new restoration already attached to your implants on the same day as your implant placement surgery.
We use the Same Day Teeth® technique, where we strategically place four implants per arch to hold a denture in place. We may also secure your denture with a titanium milled bar, which will stretch across your gums to hold a removable overdenture in place. This innovative approach to implant dentistry
Components of Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that replace missing teeth. They have several important parts that work together:
- Implant Fixture: The implant fixture is a small screw made of titanium that acts as the new tooth root. This is the main part that gets inserted into your jawbone during surgery.
- Implant Abutment: The implant abutment is the connector piece that attaches to the implant fixture and sticks out above your gum line. It holds the artificial tooth in place.
- Prosthetic Crown or Restoration: The crown or restoration looks like a natural tooth or teeth. It’s custom-made to match your other teeth in color, shape, and size. Crowns and other restorations are usually made from porcelain or ceramic.
- Implant Body (optional): In some cases, an extra piece called the implant body is used for more support, especially if your jawbone is weak.
- Healing Abutment (temporary): A healing abutment is a placeholder piece that’s sometimes used right after surgery to help shape your gums before the permanent abutment is put in.
- Implant Screw: This tiny implant screw holds the abutment securely attached to the implant fixture.
- Implant Cover Screw (temporary): This screw covers and protects the inside of the implant fixture while your mouth heals after the first surgery.
Your dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon carefully chooses each part to ensure your implant looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth. Getting all the right components is key to a successful implant.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are known to be the gold standard in restorative dentistry. When you decide on dental implants, you’re getting numerous benefits, including:
- Improved Oral Health: Dental implants help prevent bone loss and gum recession, which can occur when teeth are missing.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Implant-supported restorations look and feel like natural teeth, improving the appearance of your smile.
- Improved Function: Implant-supported restorations allow patients to speak, eat, and chew with ease and confidence.
- Durability: Dental implants are highly durable and can last a lifetime with proper care.
Ideal Candidates for Dental Implants
To be a good candidate for dental implants, you should:
- Have a fully developed jawbone
- Have a strong and dense enough jawbone to hold the implants in place
- Have healthy gums free from periodontal disease
- Not smoke
- Not suffer from medical conditions that might prevent you from healing properly
- Not take steroids or any other medications that would interfere with your recovery
- Not suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Not be pregnant
- Not drink alcohol to excess
- Commit to properly caring for your dental implants and restorations
Dental Implant Treatment Process
If you’re considering dental implants, it’s essential to understand the treatment process. At Brown & Baran Family Dentistry, we use guided implant dentistry, an advanced cone beam 3-D imaging system, to create a detailed map of your mouth. This allows us to create a surgical guide, which we use to accurately place the titanium post into your jawbone.
1. Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation, Dr. Brown or Dr. Baran will conduct a comprehensive dental exam by examining your teeth and gums, reviewing your medical history, and taking digital X-rays and impressions of your mouth. This information will help them determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
2. Implant Placement
If you’re a good candidate for dental implants, the next step is implant placement. This involves the surgical placement of the titanium post into your jawbone. At Brown & Baran Family Dentistry, we use the guided implant dentistry technique to ensure accurate placement of the implant.
After implant placement, you will need to allow time for the implant to fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This typically takes three to six months, during which time you may wear a temporary restoration.
3. Completing Your Restorations
Once osseointegration is complete, you will return to our office to have your permanent restoration attached to your dental implant. Our trusted implant specialist lab will create your restoration, whether it’s a single zirconia crown, a dental bridge, or a denture. In general, we provide less than two weeks of turnaround time for implant-supported restorations.
Caring for Your Implants
After undergoing dental implant surgery, proper care is essential to ensure the longevity and health of your implants and restorations. Follow these guidelines to maintain optimal oral hygiene:
- Brushing Twice Daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to brush your teeth and implants gently twice a day. This helps remove plaque and food particles that can lead to gum disease and implant complications.
- Daily Flossing: Flossing is crucial for cleaning between teeth and around the implant areas. Use dental floss or interdental brushes to remove debris and plaque from hard-to-reach areas.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule routine dental appointments for professional cleanings and assessments of your implants. Your dentist will monitor the health of your implants and identify any issues early on.
- Avoiding Harmful Habits: Refrain from smoking, as it can increase the risk of implant failure and compromise healing. Additionally, avoid chewing hard objects or using your teeth to open packages, as this can damage your implants and restorations.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to promote overall oral health. Limit sugary foods and beverages, as they can contribute to dental decay and gum disease.
Dental Implant Surgery Preparation
If you’re planning to get dental implants, the journey to getting your implants may be daunting. But worry not! Our Delaware implant dentists understand it can be overwhelming to get the things and information you need for your treatment. That’s why we created a guide for preparing for your dental implant surgery to ease your worries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all! Most patients report little to no discomfort during or after their dental implant procedure. Implant dentists use local anesthesia to numb the area during surgery, and you may receive medication to manage any discomfort after the procedure.
Dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth. With proper care, they can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective investment in your oral health. The success of dental implants largely depends on maintaining good oral hygiene and regularly visiting your dentist for check-ups and cleanings.
While the cost of dental implants varies depending on your specific needs, they are generally more expensive than other restorative options. However, they’re often a worthwhile investment in your oral health and overall well-being due to their longevity and durability.
The length of the dental implant procedure depends on your specific needs and the complexity of your case. In general, implant placement takes one to two hours, and the entire treatment process can take several months to a year.
Visit Us for a New Smile!
If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants or scheduling a consultation with Dr. Brown or Dr. Baran, call our Wilmington, DE, office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford, DE, office at (302) 536-7589. You can also fill out our contact form, and our team will get back to you shortly.
We also proudly provide dental implant services to Pike Creek, Marshallton, and Stanton, DE, patients. Get in touch, and learn how we can help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile
