Dental Implants

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are titanium posts that provide a firm foundation for oral prosthetics like crowns, bridges, or implant-supported dentures. They act as replacement tooth roots, preserving your smile as well as your ability to bite and chew.

Dental implants are unique in that they don’t rely on your remaining teeth for support. Dr. Pillai places them into your jawbone during a quick outpatient procedure. Following treatment, your bone grows around the implants, fusing them in place.

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

If you’re missing one, several, or all of your permanent teeth, you’ll likely benefit from dental implants. However, it’s important you have healthy gums and plenty of jawbone volume to support the implants. 

If you have gum disease or inadequate bone tissue, Dr. Pillai may recommend periodontal treatment or a bone graft before implant placement.

Let Dr. Pillai know if you have a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure. These issues may increase your risk of surgical complications or implant failure.

Does getting dental implants take more than one appointment?

Getting dental implants takes a series of appointments spaced several months apart. 

At your initial consultation, Dr. Pillai conducts an oral exam, reviews your oral health history, and takes oral X-rays to better observe your jawbone. If there are no signs of gum disease or other problems present, she administers a local anesthetic before placing the implants.

The number of implants depends on the number of teeth missing and the type of prosthetic desired. If you’re getting crowns, Dr. Pillai places an implant for each missing tooth. If you’re getting implant-supported dentures, Dr. Pillai places between four and six implants to support an entire arch of artificial teeth.

Following the initial procedure, you return home and let your mouth heal for 3-4 months. 

After the implants fuse to your jaw, you return to Aesthetic Family Dentistry. Dr. Pillai takes impressions of your remaining teeth and sends them to a dental laboratory that manufactures your bridge or implant-supported dentures. If you’re getting crowns, Dr. Pillai uses the cutting-edge CEREC milling machine to craft your crowns on-site.

At your final appointment, Dr. Pillai attaches your prosthetics to your implants, restoring your smile to its healthy, near-original condition. 

How do I keep my dental implants clean?

Dental implants act just like your natural teeth. To keep them in optimal shape, Dr. Pillai recommends brushing and flossing daily and visiting Aesthetic Family Dentistry every six months for a professional exam and cleaning.

Dr. Pillai loves working with her patients to achieve healthy, happy smiles. She uses advanced technology and has a wonderful chairside manner. 

If you want to receive dental implants in a comfortable, welcoming environment, schedule an appointment at Aesthetic Family Dentistry. Book a consultation online, or call the office to speak with a friendly member of the administrative staff today.