Dental Implants
Missing teeth can affect more than appearance. Unlike a restoration that replaces only the visible portion of a tooth, an implant also provides support below the gumline. This structure can support a custom crown, bridge, or denture, depending on how many teeth are missing.
For patients exploring dental implants in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, understanding how implants work, what placement involves, and how to care for them can make this option easier to consider.
At Faircourt Dental, we combine modern technology with precise placement to create results that look natural and last for years.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made from biocompatible titanium. They are placed directly into the jawbone to support crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Once in place, implants give you a stable, secure, and natural-looking smile that can last for many years.
A completed dental implant has three main components:
- The implant post sits within the jawbone and provides the foundation.
- An abutment connects the post to the visible restoration.
- A custom crown, bridge, or denture is then attached above the gumline to replace the missing tooth or teeth.
Together, these components restore the structure needed for comfortable chewing and speaking.
Who May Be a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants may be considered for adults who have lost one or more teeth and want a fixed foundation for a dental restoration. General characteristics of a potential candidate include:
- One or more missing teeth
- Healthy gums around the planned implant site
- Sufficient jawbone to support an implant
- Oral health that allows the implant site to heal
- A commitment to daily brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits
Having limited jawbone does not necessarily mean implants are no longer an option. Some patients may become candidates after receiving preparatory care, which Dr. Salim can discuss during the consultation.
Candidacy varies from one patient to another. If you are considering dental implants in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, a consultation at Faircourt Dental can help determine whether implants are appropriate for your oral health and tooth replacement needs.
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
Our dental implant process begins with a consultation, including digital X-rays and 3D scans to assess your oral and jawbone health. If needed, preparatory procedures like tooth extraction or bone grafting are performed to ensure your implants have a strong foundation.
During implant placement, Dr. Salim uses X-Guide™ Dynamic 3D Navigation, an advanced technology that provides real-time guidance for precise implant positioning.
After placement, the implant fuses with your jawbone over several months in a process called osseointegration.
Once healing is complete, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment sits just above the gum line and serves as the link between the implant and the final restoration.
Finally, a custom crown, bridge, or denture is attached to complete your new smile.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
With consistent care, dental implants can remain functional for 20 years or longer. The titanium implant post is designed to provide long-term support within the jawbone, while the restoration attached above it may have a different lifespan.
Crowns, bridges, and implant-supported dentures experience daily pressure from biting and chewing, so they may wear or require replacement sooner than the implant post. Routine dental examinations allow the dental team to assess both components and identify changes in the restoration, implant area, or surrounding tissues.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants replace missing teeth while supporting several aspects of oral function. Because the implant post is placed in the jawbone, it provides a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture. The benefits can vary according to the type of restoration and the number of teeth being replaced.
A Natural-Looking Tooth Replacement
Implant restorations are custom-made to complement the surrounding teeth and gumline. A crown may replace a single tooth, while a bridge or implant-supported denture can address several missing teeth. The finished restoration is designed to restore the visible portion of the smile without drawing attention to the missing tooth.
Greater Stability While Eating and Speaking
The implant post anchors the restoration within the jawbone. This stability can help patients chew and speak without the movement that may occur with a conventional removable denture. Implant-supported dentures are secured to four to six implants and may snap into place or remain attached, depending on their design.
Support for the Jawbone
Tooth roots stimulate the jawbone during chewing. After a tooth is lost, the bone in that area no longer receives the same stimulation. A dental implant acts as an artificial tooth root and helps maintain the bone surrounding the implant site. The amount of available bone will be assessed through digital X-rays and 3D scans before placement.
Options for Different Degrees of Tooth Loss
Dental implants can support several types of restorations. One implant and crown may replace a single missing tooth. An implant-supported bridge may replace several adjacent teeth, while implant-supported dentures may be considered when many or all teeth in an arch are missing. This flexibility allows the implant plan to reflect the patient’s tooth replacement needs.
How Do You Care for Dental Implants?
Although dental implants cannot develop cavities, plaque can still collect around the restoration and gumline. Maintaining the surrounding gums and nearby natural teeth remains important after implant placement.
Recommended care includes:
- Brush your teeth twice a day, paying close attention to the gumline around the implant.
- Floss daily to clear plaque and food particles between teeth and around the restoration.
- Clean beneath an implant-supported bridge or denture using the method recommended by your dental team.
- Use any additional cleaning tools suggested for your specific crown, bridge, or denture.
- Attend routine dental appointments so the team can examine the restoration and surrounding tissues.
Your cleaning routine may vary according to the type of restoration attached to the implant. The Faircourt Dental team can demonstrate how to reach areas that may be difficult to clean and provide instructions suited to your implant restoration. Consistent home care and professional examinations help maintain comfortable function over time.
Book Your Dental Implant Consultation at Faircourt Dental Today
Choosing a tooth replacement option begins with understanding your oral health and what the implant process may involve. During your consultation, Dr. Salim will examine your teeth, gums, and jawbone, review digital images, and discuss the type of restoration that may meet your needs. You will also learn whether an extraction or bone grafting should take place before implant placement.
If you are considering dental implants in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, contact Faircourt Dental to schedule an appointment. Our team can answer your questions, explain each stage of the process, and help you prepare for your next steps.
Contact us
Use the contact information below, and our team will be happy to assist!
Our Location
20040 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236Office Hours
Monday to Wednesday 8:00 AM – 4:30PM
Thursday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday to Sunday CLOSED