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Dental Implants

Dental Implants in Portland for a Confident Smile!

Missing teeth? Dental implants create replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. 

With implants, patients who have lost teeth can regain the ability to eat virtually anything and smile confidently, knowing that the teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved.

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Dental Implants Explained

The implants are tiny titanium posts placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing, serving as substitutes for the roots of the missing teeth. As you heal, the bone grows around the titanium and becomes integrated, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. 

Dental implants help prevent bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are lost and can anchor removable prosthetics such as dentures and partials.

Who Can Benefit from Dental Implants?

In general, anyone missing at least one tooth and healthy enough to undergo routine dental treatment, including tooth extraction, is likely a good candidate for a dental implant. 

Some medical conditions warrant special consideration before placing implants, and patients should be free of periodontal disease. Implants are not recommended for:

• People who smoke
• People with autoimmune diseases or who take medicines used for these conditions
• People who have had radiation therapy to the head and neck
• People with uncontrolled diabetes

Additional Implant Requirements

Implant patients need healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. If your bone is too thin or soft and unable to support an implant, you may require a bone graft. Or if there is not enough bone height in the upper jaw or the sinuses are too close to the jaw, you may require a sinus lift.

Our Portland Dental Implant Process

The dental implant service provided for our SE Portland dental clients is completed in two phases, outlined below.

Phase I

Planning

Planning is a vital part of the dental implant process. We will require specialized imaging to visualize the bone’s architecture in three dimensions. These images are used to virtually place the implant and create a custom surgical guide for the patient.

Implant Placement & Healing

Patients may be given antibiotics and pain medicine to take before the surgery, and our office offers local anesthesia and sedation during the procedure. Using precise surgical techniques, the implants are placed into the jawbone. After the implant is placed, healing generally takes three to four months, while osseointegration (integration to bone) takes place.

Temporary Restoration

If the dental implant is in the front of the patient’s mouth, a temporary restoration will be placed for aesthetic purposes while the site heals.

Phase II

Abutment & Crown Placement

When healing is complete and osseointegration has occurred, small posts called abutments are attached to the titanium implant(s). The abutments provide anchors for the crown(s), which have been specially designed and fabricated to fit each patient’s aesthetic and functional needs.

FAQs About Dental Implants in Portland

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

New implants can serve patients for a lifetime, provided they are well cared for. This means prioritizing good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and having regular dental checkups and cleanings with our SE Portland Dentist.

Will My Insurance Cover Dental Implants in Portland?

Some insurance may cover a portion of the costs associated with dental implants. Coverage can vary significantly between plans, and it’s essential to understand how the company categorizes this procedure to determine your benefits. Contact our Insurance Coordinator to learn more about your coverage.

How Long Does the Process for Dental Implants Take?

Due to the healing time involved after the implant is placed (before the abutment and crown are secured), the process can take several months. The bone needs plenty of time to fuse to the implant before the process can be completed.

Is the Dental Implant Procedure Painful?

The professionals at Mint Dental Works offer the best options to ensure patients are as comfortable as possible during their procedures. For dental implants, we may provide pain medication to take before the procedure and local anesthesia and sedation during the procedure. 

With these measures, patients typically experience mild discomfort, similar to that of a tooth extraction, after the procedure.

Can Implants Fail?

While it doesn’t happen often, it is possible for dental implants to fail. This failure can usually be attributed to:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking
• A medical condition

It’s important to choose an experienced provider and to follow all aftercare instructions to help reduce any risk of failure.

How Do I Take Care of My Dental Implants?

You can care for your dental implants by treating them like your natural teeth. This includes twice-daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups. Your dentist will let you know if any special implant-safe tools might be a great addition to your regular dental hygiene routine.