Dental Implants at Akoya Dental
At Akoya Dental, we understand that missing teeth can affect not only your smile but also your confidence, oral health, and quality of life. That’s why we offer dental implants, a permanent, natural-looking solution to replace missing teeth and restore both function and aesthetics. Whether you’ve lost a single tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants provide a reliable, long-lasting option for regaining a beautiful smile and maintaining a healthy mouth.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Once the implant integrates with the bone through a process called osseointegration, a crown, bridge, or denture is attached to restore the appearance and function of the missing tooth or teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, dental implants are permanent and provide stability, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer several benefits over other tooth replacement options, making them an ideal choice for many patients:
- Permanent Solution: Implants are designed to last for many years, often a lifetime, with proper care.
- Natural Look and Feel: Implants are custom-made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless appearance.
- Restore Function: Implants restore the full function of your teeth, allowing you to eat, chew, and speak naturally without worrying about shifting or discomfort.
- Preserve Bone Health: Unlike bridges or dentures, dental implants stimulate the jawbone, helping to maintain bone density and prevent bone loss that occurs when teeth are missing.
- No Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Unlike dental bridges, implants do not require adjacent teeth to be altered or shaved down, preserving the integrity of your natural teeth.
- Improved Confidence: With dental implants, you’ll feel more confident about your smile, knowing that your teeth look and function like natural ones.
The Dental Implant Process at Akoya Dental
At Akoya Dental, we are committed to providing you with a smooth, comfortable experience throughout the dental implant process. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Consultation and Evaluation
The first step is a comprehensive consultation where our expert implant dentist will evaluate your oral health and discuss your specific needs. During this visit, we may take digital X-rays and 3D scans to assess the condition of your jawbone and determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. If needed, we will also review your medical history to ensure that implants are a safe and effective option for you.
2. Treatment Planning
Once we have gathered all necessary information, we will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. If you require additional procedures, such as a bone graft (in cases of insufficient jawbone) or sinus lift, these will be planned as part of the treatment.
3. Implant Placement Surgery
The next step is the surgical placement of the dental implant into the jawbone. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free. During the surgery, the implant is carefully placed into the jawbone, where it will fuse over time, creating a strong and stable foundation for the replacement tooth or teeth.
4. Osseointegration
After the implant is placed, it needs time to integrate with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, which usually takes 3-6 months. During this time, the implant bonds securely to the bone, creating a firm base for your new tooth.
5. Abutment Placement
Once the implant has successfully integrated with the bone, we will place an abutment – a small connector piece that attaches the implant to the final restoration (crown, bridge, or denture). The abutment will be custom-designed to match the shape and size of your teeth.
6. Final Restoration
After the abutment is placed, we will take impressions of your mouth to create a custom restoration that will fit seamlessly into your smile. Your restoration may be a single crown for a single missing tooth, a bridge for multiple missing teeth, or a denture for full arch replacement. Once the restoration is ready, it will be securely attached to the abutment, completing your dental implant procedure.
7. Follow-Up Care
After the placement of your final restoration, we will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure your implants are functioning properly. With regular check-ups and proper care, dental implants can last for many years.
Types of Dental Implants
- Single Tooth Implants:
- If you are missing just one tooth, a single implant with a crown restoration will replace the tooth, providing both function and aesthetics without affecting adjacent teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridges:
- If you have multiple missing teeth, an implant-supported bridge can replace a series of teeth, providing a fixed and stable solution that restores your smile and chewing ability.
- Full Arch Implants:
- For patients who are missing an entire upper or lower arch of teeth, we offer full arch dental implants. This involves placing several implants to support a full set of teeth, providing a secure and long-lasting alternative to traditional dentures.
- All-on-4/ All-on-6 Implants:
- All-on-4/All-on-6 is an advanced technique that involves placing four strategically placed implants to support a full set of teeth. This treatment is ideal for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth and are looking for a quick, permanent solution.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most patients who are in good overall health and have sufficient jawbone density are candidates for dental implants. However, there are some conditions that may affect your eligibility, such as:
- Severe bone loss: If you have lost significant bone in your jaw, you may need a bone graft or sinus lift procedure to build up the bone before implants can be placed.
- Gum disease: Active gum disease must be treated before proceeding with implants, as it can affect the healing process and the success of the implant.
- Smoking: Smoking can impact the success of dental implants by affecting healing and osseointegration. We may recommend quitting smoking before undergoing the procedure.
At Akoya Dental, our team will carefully evaluate your individual case and determine whether dental implants are the right choice for you. We will work with you to explore all available options and find the best solution for your needs.
Benefits of Choosing Akoya Dental for Dental Implants
- Experienced Implant Dentists: Our team of highly skilled and experienced dentists specializes in dental implant placement and restoration, ensuring you receive top-notch care.
- Advanced Technology: We use the latest diagnostic tools, including 3D imaging and digital impressions, to ensure precise implant placement and optimal results.
- Personalized Care: At Akoya Dental, we tailor each treatment plan to meet your specific needs and preferences, ensuring you receive the best results.
- Comfort and Convenience: We prioritize your comfort throughout the entire implant process, providing local anesthesia and sedation options to make your experience as stress-free as possible.
- Long-Term Results: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, providing a stable, functional, and aesthetic solution for missing teeth.
Get Started with Dental Implants Today
If you’re ready to restore your smile with dental implants, contact Akoya Dental today to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to answer all your questions, provide expert advice, and guide you through the process of restoring your smile and oral health with dental implants