The loss of one or more teeth makes it much more difficult to bite, chew, and smile with confidence. Dental implants represent the gold standard for tooth replacement, allowing you to enjoy robust oral health and a high quality of life once again. At Southwest Oral Surgical Arts (SWOSA), we are pleased to offer full-scope dental implant care in St. George and Cedar City, Utah. We give our patients a second chance with a seamless smile, always emphasizing comfort, safety, and clinical precision.
Why Are Dental Implants the Preferred Method of Tooth Replacement?
Dental implants are not the only option for replacing missing teeth. Traditional bridges and dentures may also be considered. For the vast majority of patients, however, dental implants are the superior option. Not only do implants offer much greater longevity, but they also provide significantly more comfort and greater ease of cleaning.
Additionally, dental implants actively preserve your oral health. Unlike dentures and bridges, implants help stimulate the jawbone, preventing atrophy. Implants can also be placed without the need to extract or compromise any healthy teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Our doctors recommend dental implants for a number of reasons. Some of the top advantages of dental implants include:
Designed to Last a Lifetime
Dental implants are intended to be a permanent part of your smile. With the right upkeep, which includes regular brushing and flossing, you can potentially enjoy your dental implants for the rest of your life.
Preserves Bone and Facial Structures
When you lose one of your tooth roots, you also lose the stimulation required to maintain a healthy jawbone. Jawbone resorption can lead to unwanted facial changes. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement method that prevents bone loss and facial change caused by tooth loss.
A Healthier Smile
When you get bridges or traditional dentures, it is typical to have some viable teeth extracted or sanded down to make room for your new prosthesis. Dental implants can be placed without any need to damage your existing, healthy teeth.
Natural Appearance
Your dental implants will be topped with custom replacement teeth designed by your dentist to replicate the look of your natural teeth. They will be seamlessly integrated into your existing smile.
How Will My Surgeon Determine Whether I am a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Your dental implant journey will begin with a consultation, during which your surgeon will carefully evaluate your teeth and gums, ask some questions about your medical history, and verify that you are eligible for treatment.
The best candidates for dental implant placement:
- Are missing one or more teeth.
- Have good health overall.
- Do not have untreated periodontal disease.
What Our Patients Have To Say
What If I Need a Dental Implant Revision?
Clinical research shows that dental implants have an extremely high rate of success. That success rate only increases through consistent brushing and flossing, and adherence to post-operative guidelines. In the rare instance of implant failure, we can offer dental implant revision, allowing us to replace the failed implant with a new one.
How Are Dental Implants Placed and Restored?
During your initial consultation, your surgeon will answer any questions you have and provide you with a personalized treatment plan.
In some cases, preparatory procedures might be needed before you can have your implants placed. These procedures include periodontal treatment, the extraction of a non-viable tooth, and bone grafting. Once these procedures are completed, your dental implant surgery can be scheduled.
Implant Placement
For your implant placement, you will be provided with anesthesia, ensuring your comfort throughout. Implant placement usually takes one to two hours and involves your surgeon carefully placing the implant (basically a titanium screw) into the site where you have lost a tooth. Temporary replacement teeth are secured on top.
Abutment Attachment
Your dental implants will need several months to heal and fuse with the surrounding bone. This process also includes placing a connective piece known as the abutment, which will hold your final replacement teeth in place.
Replacement Teeth
Your crown will be added by your regular dentist, who will complete your oral restoration and ensure a confident, healthy smile.
Recovery and Aftercare
Your dental implants will require five to six months to fully heal, but the most intense recovery symptoms last just a few days. You can expect some discomfort and swelling during the first week, but these symptoms are easy to manage with over-the-counter medications. Most patients are able to return to school or work within a couple of days.
Initially, you will need to adhere to a diet of soft foods and liquids, gradually transitioning back to your normal diet as your mouth heals. A more complete set of dietary guidelines will be provided during your initial consultation.
You’re In Good Hands with SWOSA
Dental implants are a revolutionary way to restore your smile and regain the foods you love. At SWOSA, we’re dedicated to helping patients in St. George and Cedar City replace their missing teeth and achieve their dream smile. Schedule a consultation today and discover what’s possible!
