Dental implants offer a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution if you have missing teeth. Our dental implants are designed to replace the lost tooth in its entirety, including the tooth root beneath the gums. Restorations that use the support of implants provide many benefits, and we provide multiple types of implants. If you’re considering dental implants in Wilmington, DE, consult with Dr. Conor Campbell or Dr. Louis Rafetto. Our dentists will help you explore your treatment options.
Getting Dental Implants in Wilmington, DE
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of biocompatible materials, such as titanium. They’re surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as a sturdy foundation for replacement teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, which rest on the gums, implants integrate with the jawbone to provide a permanent solution to tooth loss. Implants restore your mouth’s natural function and preserve the structure of your lower chin and jaw, which can change after tooth loss due to the loss of bone.
You can get one or more implants over several months, depending on your oral health concerns. Our dentists will help you throughout the implant process to find the best way to replace your missing teeth. Getting dental implants typically involves several steps.
Consultation
Dr. Campbell or Dr. Rafetto will check your mouth and teeth to see if dental implants are right for you. Our dentists will take X-rays or 3D scans to look at your jawbone and overall oral health. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your goals for your smile.
Surgical Placement
If you’re a good candidate, we’ll schedule surgery to place the dental implant. This surgery is performed with care to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. First, our surgeon will numb your mouth so you don’t feel anything during treatment. Then, he or she will access the jaw bone to place the implant post or posts.
Healing
After the surgery, your jawbone needs time to heal and grow around the implant. This healing process, known as osseointegration, typically takes 3 to 6 months. It helps the implant become strong and stay firmly in place, just like a natural tooth root. We may also provide a temporary restoration so you aren’t without teeth as you heal.
Abutment Placement
Once your implant has fully healed, the next step is to place the abutment. This is a small piece that connects the implant to your replacement tooth. Our dentist will gently place the abutment after you’ve fully healed. You’ll need several weeks for your gums to heal.
Final Restoration
The final step is attaching your new tooth. This can be a crown, bridge, or hybrid denture that is made to match your natural teeth. You’ll return to our office once your final restoration is complete. Our dentists will ensure your new teeth feel comfortable before we secure them in your mouth.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have become one of the best ways to replace missing teeth. They offer many benefits that can improve your smile, your health, and your daily life. Many patients will choose dental implants for many reasons. Dental implants:
- Look and Feel Like Teeth: One of the best things about dental implants is that they look and feel just like real teeth. They’re made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, so no one will be able to tell the difference. Because implant posts are attached securely to your jawbone, they feel comfortable and won’t move around your mouth.
- Prevent Bone Loss: When you lose a tooth, the jawbone underneath can start to shrink because it’s no longer being used. This bone loss can change the shape of your face and make your mouth feel weak. Because implant posts replace the tooth roots, they give jaw bone the stimulation it needs to stay strong.
- Improve Speech: Some people with missing teeth or dentures have trouble speaking clearly. Dentures can slip, and gaps in your teeth can make it hard to pronounce words. Dental implants stay in place at all times so you can talk without worrying about your teeth moving or falling out.
- Last For Years: Dental implants are built to last a very long time. With good brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, implants can last for many years or even a lifetime. You won’t have to worry about replacing them as often as dentures or bridges. Implant restorations are a smart and cost-effective choice.
- Don’t Harm Other Teeth: Some tooth replacement options, such as dental bridges, require that your healthy teeth be filed down to hold the bridge in place. Dental implants are different. They don’t damage or change your other teeth. Instead, they fill the gap without affecting the teeth around them to keep your natural teeth strong and healthy.
Types of Dental Implants
We place different types of dental implants to meet the varying needs of our patients. The structure of each type of implant is designed to support the condition of a patient’s jaw bone and their unique placement needs. Main types of implants include:
- Endosteal Implants: Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant. They’re placed directly into the jawbone during surgery. These implants look like small screws, cylinders, or blades.
- Subperiosteal Implants: Subperiosteal implants are placed just under the gum but rest on top of the jawbone, rather than inside it. These implants are often used for individuals who lack sufficient bone in their jaw to support regular implants. They’re a good option for patients with a shallow jawbone who can’t get bone grafting.
- Zygomatic Implants: This type is anchored in the cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the jawbone. We use zygomatic implants in complex cases of significant jawbone loss. These implants are longer and require advanced surgery.
- Mini Implants: These implants are smaller in diameter than traditional implants. We can use mini implants in narrower areas of the jaw. Mini implants also require less invasive surgery.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more? We’re here to help. Read answers to commonly asked questions about dental implants in Wilmington, DE.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for dental implants?
Good candidates for dental implants have sufficient jawbone density to support the implant, healthy gums, and overall good health. During your consultation at our Wilmington office, Dr. Campbell or Dr. Rafetto will conduct a thorough examination. Our dentists will use digital imaging to assess your bone structure.
Even if you’ve experienced bone loss, procedures like bone grafting may make you eligible for implants. Certain conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking, may require special consideration. We’ll discuss your health concerns as we provide personalized treatment planning.
What’s the success rate of dental implants?
Dental implants have an impressive success rate of 95-98% when placed by experienced professionals, such as our team. With proper care, including good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, results can last a lifetime. You may need to replace your crown, bridge, or denture after 15-20 years because of normal wear, but the titanium implant will remain stable.
Proper home care and avoiding habits like teeth grinding significantly contribute to long-term success. We provide all our implant patients with detailed maintenance instructions to maximize the longevity of their results.
Is the implant procedure painful, and what’s the recovery like?
Most patients report the implant procedure involves less discomfort than expected thanks to modern anesthesia and sedation options. You may experience some swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort for a few days after surgery. Our office will prescribe over-the-counter medication to you as you heal.
The initial healing phase can take 7 to 10 days, during which we recommend soft foods and gentle cleaning. The complete osseointegration process takes 3 to 6 months, but you can resume normal activities within a day or two. We use advanced techniques to minimize discomfort at every stage.
How do dental implants compare to bridges?
While implants have a higher initial cost than bridges, they often prove more cost-effective long-term. Bridges typically last 7-15 years before needing replacement, while implants can last decades. Bridges require altering adjacent healthy teeth, but implants preserve your natural tooth structure.
Implants also prevent bone loss and don’t decay like natural teeth under bridges. We offer flexible financing options and will help you evaluate all factors to make the best choice for your oral health and budget.
Can I get implants if I’ve been missing teeth for many years?
Yes, even patients who lost teeth years ago can often receive implants. If you’ve never replaced your missing teeth and have bone loss, we can help with bone grafting or zygomatic implants. These treatments help rebuild the bone so you can get dental implants.
Our dentists will take 3D scans of your mouth to check your bone health at your visit. Then, we’ll talk with you about the best type of dental implant or any extra treatments you might need before you get your implant.
How do I care for my dental implants after the procedure?
Caring for implants is similar to caring for natural teeth, but with some special considerations. You’ll need to brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should also use non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching your new teeth. We may recommend using interdental brushes to clean around the implant.
We’ll also recommend that you continue to schedule regular professional cleanings every 6 months. Avoid chewing hard items, such as ice or hard candy, that could damage the crown. Your implants should last for years with the proper care.
Schedule an Implant Consultation
Are you ready to replace your lost teeth in Wilmington? Call Oral Facial Surgery in Delaware for implant dentistry at 302-335-6123. You can also request an appointment with us online. Let us know if you have questions about implant treatment. We’ll be happy to help you.
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