Missing teeth can affect the way you eat, speak and feel about your smile. Dental implants are one option for replacing missing teeth by providing a stable foundation for a dental restoration.
At Oak Park Dental Group, we provide dental implant treatment in Lenexa, Kansas, for patients who need to replace one or more missing teeth. Our dental team can evaluate your oral health, discuss your tooth-replacement options and help determine whether dental implants may be appropriate for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small post that is placed into the jawbone to replace the root portion of a missing tooth.
After the implant has had time to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone, a dental restoration can be attached to the implant. Depending on the number and location of missing teeth, the restoration may be a dental crown, bridge or denture.
Dental implants can provide a stable foundation for replacing missing teeth while helping restore the appearance and function of your smile.
Who May Need Dental Implants?
Dental implants may be considered for adults who are missing:
- One tooth
- Several teeth
- Multiple adjacent teeth
- Most or all teeth
The appropriate treatment depends on your oral health, the condition of your jawbone, the location of the missing teeth and your overall treatment goals.
A dental examination is necessary before determining whether implants are appropriate for you.
Single-Tooth Dental Implants
A single dental implant can be used to replace one missing tooth.
The implant is placed in the area of the missing tooth root. After healing, a dental crown can be attached to the implant to restore the visible portion of the tooth.
A single-tooth implant can provide an alternative to a removable appliance and, depending on the situation, may avoid the need to use neighboring teeth as supports for a traditional bridge.
Multiple Dental Implants
When several teeth are missing, multiple implants may be used to support dental restorations.
Depending on the location and number of missing teeth, treatment may involve individual implant-supported crowns, an implant-supported bridge or another restoration designed for your specific situation.
Your dentist can evaluate your smile and explain which options may be appropriate.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Patients who are missing many or all of their teeth may be candidates for an implant-supported denture.
Instead of relying only on suction or adhesive for support, an implant-supported restoration uses dental implants as anchors.
The number of implants and type of restoration depend on your individual dental condition and treatment plan.
How Does Dental Implant Treatment Work?
Dental implant treatment generally involves several stages.
1. Dental Examination
Your dentist first evaluates your teeth, gums and jawbone and discusses your medical and dental history.
The evaluation helps determine whether implant treatment may be appropriate and whether additional treatment may be necessary.
2. Treatment Planning
Your dentist develops a treatment plan based on the number and location of missing teeth and the type of restoration being considered.
Dental imaging may be used to evaluate the jaw and plan implant placement. Oak Park Dental Group states that its office uses cone beam 3D imaging for treatment planning, including implant placement.
3. Implant Placement
The implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth.
The implant serves as an artificial tooth root and provides a foundation for the future restoration.
4. Healing and Integration
A healing period is generally required after implant placement. During this period, the implant can integrate with the surrounding bone.
The length of healing varies depending on the individual patient and treatment.
5. Restoration
Once the implant has healed sufficiently, the final restoration can be attached.
Depending on your treatment plan, the restoration may be a crown, bridge or denture.
Benefits of Dental Implants
For appropriate patients, dental implants can offer several benefits:
- Replace missing teeth
- Provide a stable foundation for restorations
- Restore chewing function
- Support the appearance of the smile
- Help replace the root portion of a missing tooth
- Can be used for single or multiple missing teeth
The benefits and suitability of implants vary from patient to patient.
Dental Implants vs. Dental Bridges
Both dental implants and bridges can be used to replace missing teeth, but they work differently.
A traditional dental bridge uses neighboring teeth as supports for the replacement tooth.
A dental implant is placed into the jawbone and can support a crown, bridge or denture.
Your dentist can compare these options based on your missing teeth, oral health, bone condition and treatment goals.
Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Traditional dentures are removable appliances used to replace multiple or all missing teeth.
Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and can be used to support fixed or removable restorations, depending on the treatment plan.
Some patients may benefit from conventional dentures, while others may be candidates for implant-supported restorations.
Your dentist can explain the differences and help you understand which options may be available.
Why Is Dental Imaging Important for Implants?
Detailed imaging can help your dentist evaluate the jawbone and surrounding structures before implant treatment.
Oak Park Dental Group uses cone beam CT scanning to create three-dimensional images that can assist with implant planning and evaluation of the jaw and face.
Imaging requirements vary depending on the patient’s condition and planned treatment.
Are Dental Implants Right for Everyone?
Dental implants are not automatically appropriate for every patient.
Your dentist may evaluate:
- Jawbone condition
- Gum health
- Existing teeth
- Oral hygiene
- Number and location of missing teeth
- Overall dental health
- The type of restoration needed
If additional treatment is needed before implant placement, your dentist can discuss the appropriate sequence of care.
Caring for Dental Implants
Dental implants require regular care just like your natural teeth.
To help maintain your oral health:
- Brush your teeth regularly
- Clean between your teeth every day
- Attend regular dental examinations
- Follow your dentist’s cleaning recommendations
- Avoid using teeth or restorations to open packages or bite hard objects
- Contact your dentist if you notice pain, swelling or changes around an implant
Good oral hygiene and regular professional care are important for maintaining the health of the tissues around dental implants.
Dental Implants in Lenexa, KS
If you are missing one or more teeth, Oak Park Dental Group can evaluate your smile and discuss available tooth-replacement options.
Our dental implant services can be used to address single-tooth and multiple-tooth loss, with restorations that may include crowns, bridges or dentures depending on your individual treatment plan.
Our office is located at 12148 W. 95th St., Lenexa, KS 66215, and the practice lists 913-492-9660 as its phone number.
Call to schedule a dental implant consultation and learn whether implant dentistry may be appropriate for your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a small post placed into the jawbone to replace the root portion of a missing tooth. A crown, bridge or denture can then be attached to the implant depending on the treatment plan.
Can dental implants replace one missing tooth?
Yes. A single dental implant can support a crown designed to replace one missing tooth.
Can dental implants replace multiple teeth?
Yes. Multiple implants can be used to support different types of restorations for patients missing several teeth.
Can dental implants support dentures?
Yes. Dental implants can be used to provide support for certain types of dentures. Your dentist can determine whether an implant-supported denture may be appropriate.
How long does dental implant treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on the patient’s oral health, healing time and type of restoration. Your dentist can provide a more specific treatment timeline after evaluating your teeth and jaw.
Are dental implants permanent?
Dental implants are designed as a long-term tooth-replacement option, but their longevity depends on factors including oral hygiene, overall health, biting forces and professional maintenance.
Do dental implants look like natural teeth?
The visible restoration attached to an implant can be designed to resemble a natural tooth. The final appearance depends on the type of restoration and individual treatment plan.
How do I care for dental implants?
Dental implants require regular oral hygiene and professional dental care. Brush and clean between your teeth as recommended by your dentist and attend regular examinations.
Do I need a CT scan for dental implants?
Your dentist will determine which imaging is appropriate for your treatment. Cone beam CT imaging can provide three-dimensional information that may assist with implant planning. Oak Park Dental Group states that it uses cone beam 3D imaging for implant placement planning.
Where can I get dental implants in Lenexa, KS?
Oak Park Dental Group provides dental implant treatment in Lenexa, Kansas. Contact the office at 913-492-9660 to schedule a consultation.