Embarrassing. Stressful. Painful. These are some of the most frequent words our patients associate with their missing teeth — it’s the embarrassment of having gapped teeth, the stress of wanting to hide your smile and the pain of not being able to eat with like you used to. But if you’re missing one or more teeth, you should know you have an excellent replacement option with dental implants in Ann Arbor. Keep reading to learn more from Dr. James Olsen, your trusted Michigan dentist.

Ann Arbor Dental Implants Are the Most Stable Replacement Option

You’ve got choices when it comes to replacing your missing teeth. But in order to replace them in the sturdiest way possible, you’ve got to choose dental implants.

If you’ve lost a tooth, you’re missing more than the visible portion, which we call the crown. You’ve also lost the root. So why would you replace only half? With other options, like fixed bridges or non-implant supported dentures, you’re not getting the full stability dental implants offer. And because the tooth’s root provides the stimulation the jawbone needs to stay healthy, dental implants also prevent deterioration and further tooth loss later on.

All About the Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants are tiny posts made of titanium that are surgically placed into the jaw. Once the initial procedure has taken place, you’ll have a recovery period of two to five months, during which the implants will osseointegrate, or fuse, with the jawbone. It may seem like a long time, but this recovery period is crucial for the success of your dental implants — and you’ll have a temporary tooth replacement in the meantime.

Once the implants and bone have fused, you’ll come back to Dr. Olsen’s office for the placement of abutments, which connect your new teeth to the dental implants. And once all this is complete, the result is nothing short of fantastic: a beautiful, sturdy smile we know you’ll be so excited to show off.

The Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants

If you’re wondering if dental implants are a good replacement option for your missing teeth, chances are good they are. To make sure, we’ll look for two things in your initial consultation with Dr. Olsen.

• Adequate existing bone structure. In order for your dental implants to be successful, you must have enough bone in the jaw to begin with. Sometimes too much deterioration has taken place due to tooth loss, and bone grafting is necessary.
• Good oral and overall health. The recovery period between implantation and new tooth placement is crucial — but some conditions, like gum disease or diabetes, can inhibit the healing after the dental implant procedure. You’ll need to be in good oral and overall health to be a good candidate for dental implants.

Call to Visit the Dental Implant Dentist in Ann Arbor Today

If you think dental implants may be the tooth replacement option you’ve been looking for, don’t wait to contact us to schedule your appointment with Dr. James Olsen today. We’re passionate about helping our patients find their best smiles — let us help you find yours this fall!