Dental Implants at Seasons of Smiles, Midcoast Maine

One small “snap” and another patient’s life has changed forever. After months of careful planning and treatment under the hands of Dr. Norman Medina, one of our patients recently received the “crowning” achievement of a brand new tooth. You can watch the big moment here.

A growing number of our Camden Maine patients are opting for the superior stability and natural chewing function that dental implants deliver. If you are ready to schedule your dental implant consultation, please contact our office online or call (207) 236-4740. If you would like to know more about the many benefits of dental implants, read on.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are unlike any other restoration. Most prosthetics attach to neighboring teeth or the surface of your gums. While dental bridges and dentures serve many people’s oral needs, the prosthetics never fully replace the feeling and function of natural teeth.

Dental implants are the only restoration that functions like a natural tooth. The key to the stability of this tooth-replacement option is the titanium post that is placed in your jawbone near the location of your missing tooth root. The implant replaces the tooth root.

There are many health benefits to this restorative treatment. Tooth roots promote bone growth and help prevent jawbone atrophy. If you have one or more missing teeth and have not sought dental implants, you are in danger of losing precious jawbone density.

Over time, the loss of jawbone tissue can complicate your candidacy for receiving dental implants. Simply put, if you recently lost a tooth or are about to undergo a tooth extraction, you should consider dental implant surgery. Press here to see what the American Dental Association has to say about dental Implants.

Treatment Overview

The dental implant treatment timeline can last anywhere from three to six months or longer, depending on your unique situation and how quickly your jawbone heals after implant placement. First, Dr. Medina will schedule oral surgery to place one or more dental implants. Then, you will require a few months to recover. During this time, the implant will fuse with the surrounding jawbone tissue. Once you are completely healed and your abutment has been placed, you can enjoy the placement of your custom dental crown.

The advent of computer-guided implant placement allows Dr. Medina to use advanced imaging and digital screens to clearly map out your jawbone before implant placement. The 3D image gives a detailed representation of the availability of bone that can help Dr. Medina decide where to place dental implants. The imaging process can then be combined to render a surgical guide that can then be fitted over the dental arch during the dental implant surgery. This step allows Dr. Medina to see exactly where the implants need to go.

Benefits of Dental Implants

The main benefit of dental implants is the restoration of natural oral function, whether you are speaking or chewing. Many of our patients report that their dental implant feels just like their natural teeth. Removable prosthetics are a constant reminder of missing teeth. Once your new dental crown has been placed on your implant, you may forget that you even have a false tooth! Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that your jawbone strength will be preserved due to the presence of the artificial root.

Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation Today

Our patient is 100 percent satisfied with her new tooth, and you will be too. Seasons of Smiles Dental is proud to offer computer-guided implant placement along with other advanced treatment options. To schedule your dental implant placement consultation, please contact our office online or call (207) 236-4740.