Implants

Tooth loss can have a significant impact on both your oral health and your confidence. Whether due to injury, decay, or aging, missing teeth can lead to difficulty eating, speaking, and maintaining a healthy jaw structure. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers an excellent solution in the form of dental implants. 

Implants in Wells, ME, provide a long-lasting and natural-looking way to restore the function and appearance of your smile. Dental implants have become the gold standard for tooth replacement, and working with our experienced dentist in Wells, ME, ensures that you receive the highest quality care and results.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made from biocompatible titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. The implant fuses with the bone through osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for the replacement tooth. This stability mimics natural teeth, allowing for comfortable chewing and speaking while preventing further bone loss in the jaw.

For those seeking permanent tooth replacement, implants in Wells, ME, offer a superior solution over traditional dentures or bridges. They not only restore the appearance of your smile but also provide functional benefits that protect your long-term oral health. So, if you have lost one or more teeth, contact us at Nortey Dental for the best dental implants to achieve a better smile and improved oral health.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Opting for implants in Wells, ME, offers numerous advantages over other tooth replacement options. Here are some key benefits that make dental implants the preferred choice: 

Long-Lasting Solution

With proper care, implants are designed to last for many years, often a lifetime. Unlike dentures or bridges, which may need replacing every few years, implants are a permanent investment in oral health.

Natural Appearance and Feel

Implants are customized to match your natural teeth in size, shape, and color, resulting in a seamless blend with the rest of your smile. Additionally, they feel like natural teeth, making it easier to chew, speak, and maintain oral hygiene. 

Prevention of Bone Loss

One of the most significant advantages of dental implants is their ability to stimulate bone growth in the jaw, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing. By maintaining bone density, implants help preserve the natural shape of your face.

Improved Oral Function

Since implants are securely anchored to the jawbone, they provide efficient chewing and speaking stability. This allows you to enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about dentures slipping or discomfort from ill-fitting appliances.

Enhanced Confidence

Missing teeth can cause self-consciousness, but implants in Wells, ME, offer a way to restore your smile and confidence. With a full set of healthy-looking teeth, you'll feel more comfortable in social situations and more motivated to maintain good oral hygiene. 

Low Maintenance

Dental implants are easy to care for and require no special cleaning products or adhesives. Simply brush and floss as you would your natural teeth, and schedule regular check-ups with our dentist in Wells, ME, to ensure the implants remain in excellent condition. 

The Dental Implant Procedure

Receiving implants in Wells, ME, is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and skilled execution by a skilled dentist in Wells, ME. Here's a general overview of what to expect: 

Initial Consultation

The first step in the implant process is a consultation with our dentist. During this visit, the dentist will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays or CT scans to assess your bone structure, and discuss your treatment goals. They will determine if you're a good candidate for dental implants by examining your jawbone density and overall health. 

Implant Placement Surgery

Once you're cleared for the procedure, our dentist will surgically place the titanium implant into your jawbone, which is typically done under local anesthesia. The implant will be positioned where the tooth is missing, and after it is placed, the area will be allowed time to heal. The osseointegration process, where the bone fuses with the implant, usually takes a few months, ensuring the implant becomes fully integrated and stable. 

Abutment Placement

After the implant has fused with the jawbone, an abutment (a small connector) will be placed on top of it. This serves as the attachment point for the final restoration, whether a crown, bridge, or denture. The abutment ensures a secure connection between the implant and the replacement tooth.

Restoration Placement

The final step is the placement of the crown or prosthetic teeth. Our dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create a custom-made restoration that matches the rest of your smile. Once the restoration is ready, it is attached to the abutment, completing the implant process and giving you a fully functional, natural-looking smile. 

Types of Dental Implants

Depending on your needs, there are different types of dental implants available:

• Single Tooth Implants: If you are missing one tooth, a single implant and crown can replace it without affecting adjacent teeth.
• Implant-Supported Bridges: An implant-supported bridge can replace several teeth in a row for patients missing multiple teeth. Instead of using natural teeth as anchors, the bridge is supported by implants, providing stability and preventing the need to file down healthy teeth.
• Implant-Supported Dentures: For those missing multiple teeth, implant-supported dentures offer a more secure and comfortable alternative to traditional removable dentures. The dentures snap onto implants placed in the jawbone, ensuring they stay in place while providing a natural look and feel.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most people with healthy gums and sufficient jawbone density are good candidates for implants in Wells, ME. However, certain factors can influence your eligibility for the procedure, including: 

• Bone Density: Adequate bone structure is necessary to support the implant. If your jawbone has deteriorated, a bone graft may be required to build up the bone before implant placement.
• Oral Health: Good oral hygiene and healthy gums are essential for the success of dental implants. If you have gum disease or other dental issues, these must be treated before implants can be placed.
• Overall Health: Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, or certain medications can affect the healing process and the success of the implant. Our dentist in Wells, ME, will assess your medical history and make recommendations accordingly. 

Caring for Your Dental Implants

Maintaining dental implants is simple and mirrors the care required for natural teeth. Follow these tips to keep your implants in top condition:

• Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from around the implant.
• Visit our dentist in Wells, ME, for regular cleanings and check-ups. 
• Avoid smoking, as it can impair the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure.

Conclusion

Dental implants have revolutionized the replacement of missing teeth, offering patients a permanent, natural-looking solution that restores both function and aesthetics. If you're considering implants in Wells, ME, working with our skilled dentist in Wells, ME, ensures you receive the highest level of care and expertise throughout the implant process. Dental implants provide a reliable and long-lasting way to regain your smile and confidence from the initial consultation to the final crown placement.

Schedule your appointment today at Nortey Dental, located at 1332 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090, by calling (207) 646-5297. To learn more about the various services we provide, please visit our official website.