Dr. Morgan Chambers at Complete Dentistry For All Ages is a local dental implant specialist. Our Lexington, KY, dental office can help you replace missing teeth quickly and efficiently. We recommend this option whenever appropriate for its long-term benefits to your dental health.
Dental implants look and function much like a natural tooth. They provide a permanent tooth replacement option for one or more missing teeth. Dental implants are also a preferred way to anchor a dental bridge, providing a more secure, stable fit.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant functions like a natural tooth and offers a permanent solution for missing teeth. This dental prosthetic lets patients speak normally and eat a healthy diet without restrictions. Dental implants support jawbone regrowth, healthy gums, and overall oral health. A dental implant consists of 3 parts: the implant post, the abutment, and the prosthetic tooth.
Implant Post
The dental implant post is a cylinder-shaped biocompatible titanium screw. Dr. Chambers or an oral surgeon will surgically embed it into your jawbone, below the gum line. Over time, the jawbone fuses with the implant post, creating a permanent, secure bond.
This titanium post will act as the tooth root. In most cases, our dental team will place the post surgically at our Lexington dental office. In more severe cases, we will partner with a local oral surgeon or periodontist for the surgical phase.
Abutment
An abutment is a small metal part that connects to the implant post. Dr. Chambers will connect the abutment to the implant post once it has fully fused to the bone. The implant post heals over 3 to 6 months. After your mouth heals, Dr. Chambers will add the abutment to the implant post to support the dental prosthesis.
Prosthetic Tooth
The prosthetic tooth can be a dental crown for a single missing tooth, a dental bridge, or a denture. A dental crown caps the abutment when replacing a single tooth. For many missing teeth, we will use a dental bridge or denture.
A fixed bridge or denture attaches to the abutment by snapping into place. The prosthetic tooth is the part that will look natural. Dr. Chambers will match its color to the rest of your teeth so it blends in.
Uses for Dental Implants
The type of dental implant you receive depends on how many teeth you’re missing, where they’re missing, and your overall oral health. Dr. Chambers can use dental implants in Lexington, KY, to fix many issues.
A single dental implant can replace a single lost tooth. First, your mouth will heal over the implant post, and the post will fuse to your jawbone. Then, Dr. Chambers attaches an abutment and dental crown that looks like your real tooth. The prosthesis will not stand out and will blend in well with your natural smile.
A dental bridge is a common treatment for replacing multiple consecutive missing teeth. Dentists traditionally secure a bridge to adjacent prepared teeth. But did you know dental implants can secure them permanently?
Dr. Chambers usually recommends securing dental bridges with dental implants. Implants provide stronger support for your jaw and bite. Plus, they require less maintenance and come with fewer dietary restrictions.
Many patients struggle with ill-fitting dentures. Dentures can slip or fall out, which can embarrass patients. However, Dr. Chambers can now secure them using strategically placed dental implants.
Dental implant-secured dentures let patients enjoy a wider diet and feel more confident. This is a great permanent option for patients missing all their teeth.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants at our Lexington, KY, office offer many cosmetic and dental health benefits.
- Reduced Bone Loss: The implant post acts as a tooth root and helps to maintain healthy bone tissue. This helps the jawbone maintain its shape and integrity. Without tooth support, the jawbone deteriorates faster than usual.
- Natural Look and Function: A dental implant is custom-made for your unique mouth. Dr. Chambers will ensure it doesn’t stand out from your natural teeth and will enhance your smile.
- Patients Can Eat and Speak Normally: A dental implant fits securely and permanently in the mouth. This lets patients eat a healthy diet without worrying about the appliance falling out. You will not experience slippage, pain, or discomfort.
- No Need for Daily Maintenance: One of the most convenient benefits is that you do not need adhesives or special products! You don’t have to maintain them like dentures. However, you still need to brush them regularly and get regular dental check-ups. Avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, or foods with hard pieces or bones.
To learn more about the benefits, visit: Benefits of Dental Implants.
The Dental Implant Procedure in Our Lexington, KY Office
In many cases, Dr. Chambers can place the dental implant surgically. We may work with a local oral surgeon or periodontist to coordinate the surgical phase of treatment. Dr. Chambers will complete the dental implant procedure by placing the final restoration herself. The final restoration will either be a dental crown, bridge, or a partial or full denture.
If you need a tooth extraction, your Lexington dentist will perform it first. Then, Dr. Chambers can surgically place the dental implant in the jawbone. The implant is a small titanium screw that will fuse with the living bone as it heals. This fusion forms a solid foundation for the replacement tooth.
Dr. Chambers may be able to place a dental crown, bridge, or denture immediately after the implant. In other cases, she can place a temporary restoration while the mouth heals and the implant integrates. The implant typically takes 3 to 6 months to fully fuse with the jawbone. After the healing period, Dr. Chambers will attach the final restoration to the implant post.
To learn more about our process, visit: Dental Implant Process.
Patient Review
Dental Implant FAQs
If you have questions about dental implants, our Lexington, KY office has the answers. Our experienced team can help you understand the process. We will discuss your options and provide the best advice for your unique situation.
How long will dental implant treatment take?
Treatment is usually a two-part procedure. The first part involves surgically placing the implant. In some cases, Dr. Chambers can place a dental crown on the implant during this visit.
Other times, we will place a temporary crown while the implant heals (about 3 to 6 months). Once the implant integrates with the bone, we will bring you back for the final restoration.
Are you a candidate for dental implants?
Patients of any age with a sufficiently healthy jawbone can get dental implants. Our team will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for a dental implant. You need to have enough bone to support the dental implant. If you don’t have enough bone structure, Dr. Chambers may coordinate with a specialist to perform bone grafting before the dental implant surgery.
Are there any alternatives to implants?
Yes, we offer several treatments for missing teeth, including dental bridges and dentures. Dr. Chambers will work with you to determine the best choice for your dental health and personal goals.
Read more answers to your dental implant questions here.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Get dental implants in our Lexington office. Dr. Chambers provides comprehensive dental exams and personalized treatment plans for each patient. We tailor treatments to your unique cosmetic goals, dental health concerns, and budget.
Dr. Chambers combines the best available technology with proven techniques. She remains at the forefront of modern dentistry through her active memberships in prestigious organizations such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and DOCS Education. This commitment ensures that your implant treatment uses the best materials and the latest methods for a successful, long-lasting result.
If you have one or more missing natural teeth and are interested in dental implant restorations, call 859-251-3809. You can also schedule a dental appointment with our dentists through our website.
To learn more about our dental implant services at our Lexington dental office, visit:
- Dental Implants vs Dentures
- Cost of Dental Implants
- Dental Implants for Multiple Teeth
- Single Tooth Dental Implant
Eat, speak & smile with confidence. Get permanent, natural-looking implants that don’t require adhesives or slip. Call our Lexington, KY, office today. Welcoming families from Beaumont, Hartland, Andover, Hamburg, and communities throughout Fayette County.