Dental Implants in Stanton, MI

Dental implants replace the root portion of a missing natural tooth. It can be placed in the upper or lower jaw, and helps to maintain natural jaw structure and prevent bone loss. Made out of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the jaw bone to become an anchor for the replacement tooth that goes on top. Titanium has specific bio-compatible properties that make it fuse well with bones. You can receive implants to replace individual or multiple teeth.

There are many implant options available, so when you come in for a consultation, our team will discuss the options with you and find the option that best fits your current state of health, bone structure, and restoration preference. Be sure to ask about the Mini Implant options, which are smaller versions of standard implants, and create greater stability for permanent dentures and replace missing teeth.

Dental Implant FAQ

What are my tooth replacement options?

Stanton Family Dental Care offers many different types of Implant Solutions for a single tooth or multiple teeth, from lifelong tooth replacements such as expertly placed dental implants to solutions such as fixed bridges and dentures. Every patient is different, so when our team meets with you, we will all work together to discover what’s best for your smile. Some of the most common tooth replacement options include:

• Dental Implants. Dental implants are a favorite tooth replacement solution because they are a true replacement, root and all. With dental implants, patients can regain the joy of eating, smiling, and speaking again with complete confidence, with teeth that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.
• Full-Arch Replacement/All-on-4^®. When patients come to us seeking a permanent replacement for multiple missing teeth in one or both of their arches, we may recommend a full-arch replacement using the All-on-4 technique. This innovative tooth replacement solution gives you new, permanent, and realistic teeth using only four dental implants.
• Bridges (Tooth-Supported). Tooth-supported bridges are a common tooth replacement for one or more missing teeth that are next to each other, bridging the gap created in the dental arch. Bridges are fixed in your mouth, so they are non-removable and secure, though they will usually need to be replaced every few years. The bridge is permanently cemented in place using the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth/teeth — this means that your dentist will need to reshape the teeth that are used to anchor the bridge.
• Full or Partial Dentures. Full or partial dentures are a classic and well-known solution for missing teeth. They tend to be inexpensive, and they will last a while, though they will eventually need to be replaced. Many people find removable dentures to be a satisfactory solution, but others find them to be uncomfortable to wear and are self-conscious about the way they can slip during chewing or speaking.

How Do The Options Compare?

1. Comfort

• Dentures: Denture wearers often experience problems with product discomfort including reports of sores and blisters. The discomfort is largely due to denture movement, product changes over time and long-term repeated rubbing of the product against the mouth and gums.
• Dental Implants: Because dental implants are firmly and permanently attached to the jawbone, they do not move or become uncomfortable. In fact, most patients report that their dental implants feel just like their real teeth.

2. Appearance

• Dentures: Dentures fill in sunken facial features or help smooth premature wrinkles around the mouth. However, regardless of the minor improvements, patients still look like they have artificial teeth and as soon as patients remove their teeth, the same problems still exist.
• Dental Implants: Dental implants are very different because they are attached directly to the jawbone. This prevents movement and keeps patients smiling confidently because they know their smile is permanent and looks both natural and attractive.

3. Function

• Dentures:Denture wearers often have trouble eating some types of foods or speaking clearly all the time. Over time, as dentures get looser, the problems can get worse. Adhesives and creams can help, but they do not eliminate the problems completely. Moreover, the inability to chew properly can cause jaw muscles to weaken and the jawbone to deteriorate as the years go by.
• Dental Implants: Dental implants are the only tooth replacement alternative that allows normal and proper chewing. And when patients can chew properly, muscle atrophy is reduced and jawbone deterioration is minimized.

4. Durability

• Dentures: Dentures last anywhere from five to ten years before they need to be replaced. Additionally, regular maintenance is usually necessary to ensure dentures fit properly.
• Dental Implants: Dental implants never need to be replaced and require no extra maintenance. In fact, most patients report that with proper care and maintenance dental implants can last many years beyond dentures.

5. Cost

• Dentures: When patients compare the costs of all the options, dentures may be less expensive at the beginning. However, when patients add up the cost of replacement, maintenance, cleaning products and damage to surrounding teeth, dentures quickly become a more expensive long-term investment.
• Dental Implants: This option requires less maintenance and can last many years longer than dentures when installed and cared for properly.

How long does it take to replace teeth using dental implants?

Because each patient is different, once you have had your consultation with your doctor including all the necessary diagnostics, you will receive a treatment plan that will include the estimated amount of time to complete the dental implant process. Your specific needs, condition, medical and dental history, and the health of the supporting bone in your jaw will all be factors. The process can range from just a few months to more than a year for more complex conditions.

Is the dental implant surgery painful?

Many of our patients wonder how much it will hurt to receive dental implants. We want to assure you that we are dedicated to your safety and comfort, and you’re in the best hands with us. What if there is not enough bone in my jaw for a secure implant placement?

Bone loss in the jaw can occur when teeth are missing for a prolonged amount of time. When this is the case, dental implants can be harder to place in compromised bone or gum tissue. However, we offer numerous treatments that solve this problem. A bone grafting procedure can restore bone in a specific area to support the implant. Bone grafting opens the option of dental implants to people who would otherwise not be able to benefit from this life-changing tooth restoration. We also offer full-arch restoration/ All-on-4 treatment which can replace a full set of teeth on just four dental implants without the need for bone grafting.

How do I care for my new dental implants?

When we have given you the green light that you’ve healed enough to brush and floss around the implant site, you can take care of your new implant with good oral hygiene and proper dental care, the same way you do your natural teeth. Dental implants are a true tooth replacement, which means if you keep your mouth healthy and see your dentist regularly, your implants can last a lifetime. We highly recommend the use of a water pik for complete cleaning each and every day around the implant restorations.
What is the recovery like after dental implant placement?

Initially, you will want to stick with a diet of soft foods and then avoid chewing on the implant sites. Most patients are back to their regular routines within a few days after the placement of their implants. We will walk you through the process of your aftercare and post-surgical instructions before your treatment begins.

What will I use to chew with while my implants heal?

Your custom and permanent crown will usually be placed on your dental implant post once the implant post has fused with the bone in your jaw. While the implant heals, you have a few options for temporary artificial teeth. A temporary bridge can be made, and, in the case of multiple implants, your current denture can be modified. If you prefer non-removable teeth during the healing phase of your treatment, you can have temporary transitional crowns made and placed. Whatever your choice is while you wait for your permanent crown, you will not have to live with a gap in your mouth.

What are implants?

Implants have many advantages over traditional dental implants. We are proud to offer implants as a treatment option to help our patients who have lost one or more teeth. Implants give many people a second chance at a beautiful smile. Even better, their implants give them teeth that often feel, look, and function better than their natural teeth!