Dental implants have become increasingly popular for patients who need to replace a single tooth. These permanent tooth replacement solutions are easy to care for and can last a lifetime. Patients with tooth loss who are learning about their options may want to ask about dental implants and how they are done by our dentist in Buffalo, NY. At the Smile Center, Dr. Gordon Kent and his team evaluate patients to decide if dental implants can be used to restore the function and beauty of the smile!
Dental implants explained
Dental implants are tooth root replacements. These individual posts are tiny but can be placed into the bone of the jaw and restored with a dental crown, dental bridge, or full denture. This depends on the need of the patient. This titanium post stimulates the bone’s growth through osseointegration, allowing the bone to fuse to the implant to stabilize and strengthen it. Osseointegration allows the implant to become one with the bone, offering the best in permanent tooth replacement.
The process of obtaining a dental implant
To obtain a dental implant, patients must first visit with Dr. Gordon Kent to determine candidacy. Once the patient has decided to undergo dental implant treatment, the process begins. Dental x-rays help in planning the placement of the dental implant. The patient schedules an oral surgery procedure during which the implant is put into the bone of the jaw. The gum tissue is sutured, and patients require several weeks for healing and bone growth to occur. Once the dental implant is successfully in place, the dentist will place a restoration over the dental implant abutment to complete the process and finish restoring the smile.
Benefits of dental implants
There are several advantages to placing dental implants that we convey to patients who are considering them. Benefits of dental implants include:
- Longevity
- Natural appearance
- Strength and stability
- Reliability
- Efficiency
- Safety
- Biocompatibility
716-634-4090
OR
Restorations for dental implants
Dental implants are not just for replacing a single tooth. Dental implants provide a solution in many situations. Some patients have an implant placed on one or both sides of a missing tooth or teeth to anchor a dental bridge. Dental bridges require adjacent teeth or dental implants to hold them in place. Dental implants also anchor full dentures in place. An acrylic framework makes up traditional full dentures and includes false teeth and false gums. Patients keep their dentures in place with the use of denture adhesives. However, dentures still tend to slip or malfunction even with denture adhesives. Instead, patients may consider the benefits of implant-supported dentures. The dentist places four dental implants along the dental arch and uses them to stabilize and strengthen traditional acrylic dentures. This makes them an excellent option for those who worry about the function and fit of their full dentures.
Where are dental implants placed and restored?
The Smile Center is pleased to offer patients one location for the placement and restoration of dental implants. Dr. Gordon Kent provides surgical treatment to place the implants as well as restore them. Other dental practices provide one or the other, which requires patients to be referred to other specialists to complete the process. We encourage patients to consider the Smile Center for the placement and restoration of their dental implants.
The natural appearance of dental implant restorations
Because Dr. Gordon Kent believes in providing cosmetic restorations that look like natural teeth, he ensures that the implants placed in his practice are restored with ceramic restorations made with care to match the patient’s smile. Integration of restorations into the current smile is vital to our team of providers.
How do I find out if dental implants are right for me?
Many of our patients love the idea of a no-fuss way to replace a missing tooth with a dental implant. However, not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants. Dental implants require patients to have sufficient jawbone for a successful procedure. This is determined during a consultation with a series of x-rays to check bone health. To have this done, we encourage patients to book a consultation with Dr. Gordon Kent by calling . The Smile Center is conveniently located in Buffalo, NY at 4427 Union Road and always accepts new patients.