Dental Implants – Northeast Lincoln, NE

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that your Lincoln dentist surgically places directly into the jawbone, in the space left by each missing tooth. During a recovery period of approximately six months, the implants slowly bond with the jawbone to create a strong foundation for your new replacement teeth. This crucial step is known as osseointegration, and it’s what makes dental implants work so well. After your recovery is complete, you’ll revisit Northeast Family Dental for the placement of your new replacement teeth on top of your dental implants -- the portion known as the implant restoration.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

In order for dental implants to be successful, patients need to be in solid oral and overall health and have adequate existing jawbone structure to support the dental implants. That means those suffering from gum disease or other serious health conditions may not be good candidates for dental implants. The only way to know for sure that they’re an option for you is to schedule your consultation at Northeast Family Dental.

Dental Implant Benefits

Patients who choose dental implants to replace their missing teeth enjoy the range of advantages this wonderful solution offers. Some of the most common include:

• Dental implants provide a whole-tooth replacement -- giving you back the missing tooth and its root. Other options, like bridges or non-implant supported dentures, only replace the visible portion. With a comprehensive replacement, you’re able to enjoy better oral health and a more youthful face shape for years to come.
• You can treat your dental implants just like your natural teeth, meaning you don’t have to worry about learning any special maintenance tricks or messing with bothersome denture adhesives.
• Because they don’t require the alteration of surrounding natural teeth, dental implants are the more conservative solution in tooth replacement.
• When cared for properly with exceptional oral hygiene at home and continued professional care as directed, dental implants can easily last the patient’s lifetime.

Are you interested in learning whether or not dental implants are the right option for you? Northeast Family Dental invites patients in Lincoln, Walton, Prairie Home and Cheney to learn more about this amazing tooth replacement option. Call us to schedule your appointment today!

Dental Implant Frequently Asked Questions

It’s always better to have questions ready prior to your consultation. Below is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions we hear at Williamsburg Dental. If your question isn’t listed, don’t hesitate to contact our dental office as soon as possible! We’d be more than happy to clarify any confusion you may have about treatment.

Do Dental Implants Fail?

When planned and placed by a professional, the risk of a dental implant failing is incredibly low. In fact, the success rate for dental implants averages between 95 and 98 percent. With that said, infection of the gum tissue surrounding the implant, or peri-implantitis, can cause the implant to fail.

Are Dental Implants Good for My Oral Health?

It is true that dental implants prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the open spaces of your smile, just like bridges and dentures. However, dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that prevents future bone loss and as a result, future tooth loss. They also help gum tissue maintain overall volume, which is important to protecting the roots of neighboring teeth.

How Long Will They Last?

Dental implants are designed to last for several decades without worry of needing a replacement. This cannot be said for dentures and bridges, which typically need replacement every several years. Dental implants typically will last for a minimum of 25 years, but in most cases they last the rest of the patient’s life.

Does it Hurt to Receive Dental Implants?

Prior to your treatment, the dentist or oral surgeon will numb your mouth to prevent any discomfort from being felt as the implant is inserted into your jaw bone. Of course, those who want to feel more comfortable can opt for sedation dentistry if they’d like. After your surgery, your gum tissue will feel mildly sore, but this is normal for any type of oral surgery.

What Does Daily Care Look Like?

Many patients are pleased to hear that caring for their dental implants is largely identical to caring for their natural teeth. Additionally, the restorations used to restore dental implants are made from inorganic material, meaning they cannot develop decay like tooth enamel. Just make sure to brush and floss underneath the implant where the gum tissue lies as this area can still become infected if not properly maintained.