Dental Implants in Columbia, MO

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium screws placed under the gums in missing teeth, which support an artificial tooth (teeth) or denture. Hybridge dental implants can replace one tooth or an entire mouth of teeth.

What Are The Consequences of Missing Teeth?

Many issues arise when patients lose teeth. Decreased chewing function and bite problems result from less surface area available for chewing. When a tooth is missing, the other teeth take more chewing force and stress.

Over time, this can cause issues with the remaining teeth. The poor appearance caused by gaps in the smile is another consequence of missing teeth. This can often cause anxiety in social situations.

The teeth can also shift or tilt over time, creating an uneven bite and undesirable forces on the remaining teeth. Bone loss is another consideration with missing teeth. After the extraction, the jaw bone in that area slowly begins to shrink away. When left for a long enough period, there may not be enough bone remaining to place a tooth implant.

Dental Implant Safety

At our dentistry, Dr. John Wietholder uses state-of-the-art technology to ensure the precise placement of dental implants in Columbia, MO. This technology includes 3D x-rays, advanced computer software, and surgical guides, which create a very high level of safety for the procedure. Dr. Wietholder has also completed advanced education in teeth implants.

What To Expect During Implant Treatment

We complete the treatment for dental implants near you in phases due to the human body’s natural response to the implant. If you have a tooth that requires extraction, a bone graft may be placed to accelerate healing. Once the site has completely healed, we place the affordable dental implant. The implant then requires a healing period before the placement of the artificial tooth (crown) or attachment to a denture. However, in some instances, the implant may be placed at the same appointment as the tooth extraction. This shortens overall treatment time.

Do I Need Sedation For Dental Implant Placement?

The dental implant procedure is relatively non-invasive and is usually performed with local anesthetic only. We understand, however, that many patients have anxiety regarding dental treatment. As with any of our procedures, we offer oral and laughing gas sedation. Affordable dental implants do not need to be scary!

Benefits of Dental Implants

Teeth implants restore chewing function and prevent the shifting of teeth that often occurs when a tooth is missing. They also help prevent jawbone loss in the areas of missing teeth. Once fully restored with an artificial tooth, dental implants look and perform like your natural teeth, but they cannot get cavities. If the implant is well taken care of, it can last a lifetime.

How Do You Care For Implants?

Dental implants are as easy to take care of as regular teeth. You need to brush, floss, and have regular preventive hygiene checks. There is no need for a special brush or toothpaste. Treat them like the rest of your teeth.

Do You Have Missing Teeth?

Call All American Dental in Columbia, MO, at 573-449-1918 to schedule your free implant consultation.