Dental Implants and Restorations
A Modern Approach to a Perfect Smile
Dental Implant Services
Single Tooth Replacement
Replacing a lost tooth or damaged tooth with an implant can have many benefits. It can restore your ability to chew, preserve healthy teeth from shifting or moving, reduce bone loss, minimize stress on remaining teeth, and improve self-confidence by maintaining a youthful/natural smile — among many other reasons.
Multiple Teeth Replacement
If you are missing more than one tooth and the surrounding bone and tissues are healthy, dental implants may be your best option. Two or more implants can support a fixed bridge, allowing for even bite pressure distribution and the appearance of a full set of teeth.
All-on-4 Dental Implants
This method allows for the replacement of an entire arch without the need for dentures. Unlike dentures, all-on-4 dental implants are fixed to the implants similar to a bridge, restoring the aesthetics and function of a full set of teeth without using an implant for every missing tooth.
Implant-Retained Dentures
This approach allows you to use traditional dentures, but instead of using adhesive, your implants will lock the dentures in place so that you can chew and smile more confidently.
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Windham Family Dentistry Superior Implant Process
Dental implant procedures often require patients to go to multiple offices to complete treatment, including the restorative dentist (often your General Dentist) and a surgeon to have the implant placed in your jawbone.
In our office, Dr. Christopher Filler will plan using a completely digital workflow, surgically place and finalize your implants with a crown, simplifying the process and keeping you in one place. This reduces stress, increases comfort, and decreases your overall cost.
Dental Implants
Dental implant surgery replaces missing teeth by inserting metal, screw-like posts into the jaw which the artificial tooth can be anchored to. The artificial teeth look and act just like real ones, making dental implants a great alternative to wearing dentures or ill-fitting bridgework. Dental implant surgery may be performed in several steps depending upon the kind of implant you’re getting and the health of your jawbone.
After the initial surgery, the jawbone heals and fully incorporates the metal insert into the surrounding bone, effectively assimilating it into the gum line as if it were a natural tooth root. Titanium is often used for this procedure because it fuses the implant with the jawbone, remains firmly in place, and won’t decay like some kinds of bridgework. After the implant is secure, your dentist will attach the custom prosthetic for a natural and strong solution to missing teeth.
Before and After Dental Implants
While the dental implant procedure can take some time to fully complete, the final product is a picture perfect smile that not only looks identical to your original missing teeth, but is just as strong. This means you can eat, talk, and bite exactly as you would have before, with no loss of bone or crowding complications in the future.
In the case above we performed implant surgery and placed implanted-supported permanent bridge, which is better known as All-on-4 Dental Implants. This implant restoration allowed a patient to fully restore biting and chewing function and get a beautiful natural-looking smile at the same time.
In the case of this patient, placing an implant required a sinus lift procedure, wherein the sinus needed to be fortified with a bone graft. This allows for more structural material to hold the implant in place and provide a strong base for the vertical pressure exerted by the patient’s bite.
The picture above shows the bar overdenture. The implant retained denture is a good alternative to the All-on-4 dental implants approach. All-on-4 hybrid denture utilizes the implant-based bar for better denture stability, but at the same time the denture can be removed at night and for easy cleaning.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
How Long Do Dental Implants Take?
On average, it can take several months to complete the dental implant process, which consists of various different stages. However, each patient’s timeline may differ based on factors such as the number of implants needed, additional procedures required, and the individual’s healing capabilities. After a consultation with our dental professional, we can provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific situation.
How Painful Are Dental Implants?
The level of pain experienced during the dental implant process can vary from person to person, but most patients report minimal pain or discomfort. At minimum, local anesthesia is used to ensure that you are comfortable and free from pain during the procedure. While some discomfort or swelling may occur later, it can typically be managed with prescribed medications. Your comfort is our priority, and our dental professional will take measures to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure and will provide post-operative instructions to help manage any discomfort effectively.
How Long Does It Take To Get All-On-4 Dental Implants?
The timeframe for getting All-on-4 dental implants can vary depending on individual circumstances. Generally, the process can be completed in a few appointments over a span of a few months. The initial consultation, implant placement, and the final placement of the permanent prosthetic can take several weeks to months, allowing for proper healing and osseointegration (fusion of implants with the jawbone). Our dental team will provide a personalized treatment plan and timeline based on your specific needs.
How to Clean All-On-4 Dental Implants?
To clean All-on-4 dental implants, brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush, floss between the implants and gum line, rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Follow any specific post-operative care instructions given by your dentist.
Can Dental Implants Prevent Further Bone Loss?
Yes, dental implants can help prevent further bone loss. By mimicking the function of natural tooth roots, implants provide the necessary stimulation to the jawbone, which helps maintain its density and strength. This stimulation promotes bone regeneration and prevents the progression of bone loss.
Can I Get Dental Implants if I Already Have Significant Bone Loss?
In cases of significant bone loss, additional procedures such as bone grafting or sinus lifts may be necessary to augment the jawbone before implant placement. Your dentist can evaluate your situation and determine the best treatment plan to restore your oral health and support dental implants.
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in the Words of Our Patients!
“Wonderful dentist! On-time, professional, personal, and very thorough and gentle. I felt very comfortable and confident with their recommendations and procedures! Highly recommend”
Pamela Lalmond
“Best Dentist I’ve ever been to, the Dr. Chris and the whole staff are so polite and professional. I wish I found this dentist sooner. So happy!”
Vern Gable
“Dr. Chris and staff are extremely professional, caring, and compassionate people. I had a real fear of dentists prior to going to their office, I have now been a patient for 3+ years. I am so happy that I found them. They could not more accommodating and understanding. Highly recommend this office!”
Jen Briere
“Dr. Chris and the Staff are wonderful, highly recommend especially if you fear going to a dentist. They really listen to your concerns and make you feel at ease”
Christine Goucher
“This was my third visit to Windham Family Dental and it was exceptional.
Everyone is very pleasant, professional, and caring.
I highly recommend them.”
Karen Kasper
“Windham Family Dentistry office is amazing! They are always courteous and friendly. I feel like family when I walk in there. I moved to Massachusetts and I still make the drive to come here because it’s the only place I trust with my dental hygiene!”
Tia Floyd
“Excellent dental practice, professional, competent, and caring providers. Highly recommended!”
Anne Young
“Just had the best dental experience at my new dentist! I highly recommend this dentist!”
Colleen Greene
“Super clean practice space, with consistently timely and well-explained interventions. Thankful and do recommend!”
Marissa Miller
Blue Sky Anesthesia
In order to help our patients feel comfortable and pain-free throughout their entire treatment process, Windham Family Dentistry offers anesthesia services by Blue Sky Anesthesia. The expertly trained and experienced professionals at Blue Sky offer a range of anesthesia services from simple numbing to complete sedation, meaning you can get crucial dental care at the exact level of comfort you desire without any side effects.
Membership Plans
DenVantage is different from dental insurance—by design! DenVantage is our in-house payment plan designed to get you the best possible care at the best possible price. Instead of traditional Least Expensive Alternative Treatment plans, which charge you premiums to cover services you don’t need, DenVantage lets you pick the type of care and number of appointments you need for a simple, monthly rate. Call today to learn more!