Dental Implants: Are They a Wise Choice for You?

Many people don’t fully understand how implants work or why they’re such a good option for replacing missing teeth. That’s what we want to cover here! At Portland Dental in Portland, Oregon, we fully understand the challenges that tooth loss brings. Dr. Kaveendra Ranasinghe and our team will guide you to the best missing teeth options and explain their processes to help restore your oral health and grin.

The Wisdom of Getting Implants

Implants fit the bill if you’re looking for a long-term remedy for missing teeth. Whether you’re missing one tooth, several, or all your teeth, implants can rebuild your smile naturally and restore your oral health. Unlike removable dentures which can slip and shift in your mouth, implant teeth never come loose. They’re anchored in place by artificial tooth roots, eliminating the need for messy adhesives.

Implant teeth aren’t removed for soaking or cleaning. They stay in your mouth permanently and are brushed and flossed like natural teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, implants don’t require the support of natural teeth. They’re a standalone treatment that can restore your smile beautifully. These benefits and more make them the perfect restorative treatment.

Here’s a breakdown of the implant process so you’ll know what to expect from this treatment:

• Consultation

Implant treatment starts with a consultation to determine whether you’re a good candidate for this procedure. Dr. Kaveen will assess your general, oral, and jaw health to see if you have sufficient bone density to support implants. If not, we’ll have to factor in bone grafting before your treatment.

• Treatment Plan

Using the information obtained during your consultation, we’ll create a treatment plan to meet your specific dental needs. This plan specifies the number of implants you need, the type of restoration to be used, the cost of your treatment, and the time frame for completion.

• Implant Placement

Implants are small, titanium screws that Dr. Kaveen places inside your jaw surgically to function like new tooth roots. We’ll make an incision in your gum where the implant is to be placed, drill a hole into your jawbone, and insert the implant. This process is repeated for the number of implants used in your treatment. Your gum is then sutured closed for healing.

• Osseointegration Process

After placement, the implants will fuse with your bone system, a process that can take several months to complete. This process gives the implants the stability needed to support your new teeth.

• Abutments and Replacement Teeth

After the implants heal, we’ll attach abutments to support your restoration and, lastly, your new replacement teeth. Your restorations will be customized for comfort, functionality, and aesthetics. Porcelain crowns will be used to replace individual missing teeth. A fixed bridge will replace multiple missing teeth in a row, and an implant denture will replace all your teeth. To make this treatment more feasible, full mouth restoration only requires the support of four implants per arch.

Implant Treatment Near Me

Interested in learning more about implants? Contact Dr. Kaveendra Ranasinghe from Portland Dental in Portland, OR, at (503) 227-1693.