Royal Oak Michigan Implant Dentistry

Dental Implant Expertise in Detroit - Birmingham, MI

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures.  Dental implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or Periodontist - a specialist of the gums and supporting bone.  The teeth attached to dental implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!

Each dental implant is very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years. On occasion, a dental implant will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

Reasons for implant dentistry:

• A dental implant will replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth.
• Dental implants resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space.
• Implant dentistry can restore a patient’s confident smile.
• Since dental implants feel and function like natural teeth, they restore chewing, speech, and digestion.
• Implant dentistry restores or enhances facial tissues.
• Dental implants support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

What does getting a dental implant involve?

The process of getting one or more dental implants requires a number of visits over several months.

X-rays and impressions (molds) are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for a dental implant.  While the area is numb, the dental implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and integrate itself onto the bone for up to six months.  Depending on the type of dental implant, a second surgery may be required in order to place the “post” that will hold the artificial tooth in place.  With other dental implants the post and anchor are already attached and placed at the same time.

After several weeks of healing the artificial teeth are made and fitted to the post portion of the anchor.  Because several fittings may be required, this step may take one to two months to complete.  After a healing period, the artificial teeth are securely attached to the dental implant, providing excellent stability and comfort to the patient.

You will receive care instructions when your implant dentistry treatment is completed.  Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dental implant.

If you are in need of implant dentistry, call our Birmingham, MI area office in Royal Oak, Michigan today. Dr. Duffield can meet with you to discuss dental implants, answer your questions, and evaluate your situation to see if implant dentistry is the right answer for your specific situation.