Dental Implants Lexington, KY

Our dentists at Complete Dentistry For All Ages offer dental implants in our Lexington, KY, dental office. We will help you quickly and efficiently replace your missing teeth. We recommend this highly successful option whenever appropriate because of the long-term dental health benefits.

Dental implants look and function much like a natural tooth. Dental implants provide a permanent tooth replacement option for one or more missing teeth. A dental implant is also one of the preferred methods of anchoring a dental bridge for a more secure and stable fit.

Implant Treatment in Lexington, Kentucky

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant functions just like a natural tooth and is a permanent treatment option for missing teeth. This dental prosthetic enables patients to enjoy normal speech and a healthy diet without restrictions. Dental implants support jawbone regrowth, healthy gums, and overall oral health. A dental implant consists of 3 parts: the implant post, the abutment, and the prosthetic tooth.

Implant Post

The dental implant post is a cylinder-shaped biocompatible titanium screw. Your dentist or oral surgeon will surgically embed it into your jaw bone, below the gum line. Over time, the jaw bone fuses with the implant post and creates a permanent and secure bond.

This titanium post will act as the tooth root. In most cases, our dental team will conduct the surgical placement of the post at our Lexington dental office. In more severe cases, we will partner with a local oral surgeon or periodontist for the surgical phase.

Abutment

An abutment is a small metal part that connects to the implant post. Dr. Chambers will connect the abutment to the implant post after it fully fuses to the bone. The implant post heals over a period of 3 to 6 months. After your mouth heals, Dr. Chambers will add the abutment to the implant post to support the dental prosthesis.

Prosthetic Tooth

The prosthetic tooth can be a dental crown for a single missing tooth, a dental bridge, or a denture. A dental crown caps the abutment when replacing a single tooth. For many missing teeth, we will use a dental bridge or denture.

The fixed bridge or denture will attach to the abutment by simply snapping them into place. The prosthetic tooth is the part that will look natural. Your dentist will match its color to the rest of your teeth so it blends in seamlessly.

Uses for Dental Implants

The type of dental implant you receive will depend on the number and location of your missing teeth and your overall oral health. Our dentist can use dental implants to fix many issues.

A single dental implant can replace a single lost tooth. First, your mouth will heal over the implant post and the post will fuse to your jawbone. Then, Dr. Chambers attaches an abutment and dental crown that looks like your real tooth. The prosthesis will not stand out and blend in well with your natural smile.

A dental bridge is a common treatment to replace many consecutively missing teeth. Dentists traditionally secure a bridge using prepared adjacent teeth. But did you know that dental implants can permanently secure them?

Dr. Chambers usually recommends securing dental bridges with dental implants. Implants provide more structural support for the jaw and your bite. Plus, there is less maintenance and dietary restrictions as well.

Many patients struggle with ill-fitting dentures. Dentures are prone to slipping or falling out, causing embarrassment for patients. However, your dentist can now secure them using strategically-placed dental implants.

Dental implant-secured dentures allow patients to enjoy a diet without restriction and makes them feel more confident. This is a great permanent option for patients missing all their teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants have many cosmetic and dental health benefits.

  • Reduced Bone Loss: The implant post acts as a tooth root and helps to maintain healthy bone tissue. In turn, this helps the jawbone maintain its shape and integrity. Without teeth to support, the jawbone deteriorates faster than usual over time.
  • Natural Look and Function: A dental implant is always custom to your unique mouth. Your dentist will make sure it doesn’t stand out from your real teeth, and will only enhance the look of your smile.
  • Patients Can Eat and Speak Normally: A dental implant fits securely and permanently in the mouth. So this allows our patients to eat a healthy diet without fears about the appliance falling out. You will not experience slippage, pain, or discomfort.
  • No Need for Daily Maintenance: One of the most convenient benefits is that you do not need adhesives or special products! You do not have to maintain them like you do dentures. However, it is still important to brush them regularly and get regular dental check-ups. Do not chew on things like ice, hard candy, and food with hard pieces or bones.

To learn more about the benefits, visit Benefits of dental implants.

The Dental Implant Procedure

In many cases, Dr. Chambers will be able to surgically place the dental implant. We may work with a local oral surgeon or periodontist to coordinate the surgical phase of treatment. Dr. Chambers will complete the dental implant procedure by placing the final restoration herself. The final restoration will either be a dental crown, bridge, or a partial or full denture.

If you need a tooth extraction, our dentist will perform it first. Then our dentist can surgically place the dental implant in the jawbone. The implant is a small titanium screw that will fuse with the living bone as it heals. The fusion will form a solid structure for the replacement tooth.

Dr. Chambers may be able to immediately complete the dental implant with a dental crown, bridge, or denture. In other instances, she can place a temporary restoration while the mouth heals and integrates with the implant. It typically takes 3 to 6 months for the implant to fully fuse with the jawbone. The dentist will attach the final restoration to the implant post after the healing period.

To learn more about our process, visit Dental implant process.

Dental Implant FAQs

If you have questions about this innovative treatment, we have the answers. Our team of experienced professionals can help you understand the process. We will discuss your options with you and provide the best advice for your unique situation.

How long will dental implant treatment take?

Treatment is usually a two-part procedure. The first part of the procedure involves the surgical placement of the implant. In some circumstances, our dentists can restore the dental implant with a dental crown during this visit.

Other times, we will place a temporary crown while the implant heals (about 3 to 6 months). Once the implant integrates with the bone, we will bring you back for the final restoration of the implant.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Patients of any age with sufficient healthy jaw bone can get dental implants. Our team will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for a dental implant. You need to have enough bone to support the dental implant. If you do not have enough bone structure, Dr. Chambers may coordinate with a specialist to conduct bone grafting prior to the dental implant surgery.

Are there any alternatives to implants?

Yes, we offer a variety of treatments for missing teeth including dental bridges and dentures. Dr. Chambers will work with you to determine which choice is best for your dental health and personal goals.

Read more answers to your dental implant questions here.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Dr. Chambers provides comprehensive dental exams and personalized treatment plans for each patient. We tailor treatments to your unique cosmetic goals, dental health concerns, and budget. If you have one or more missing natural teeth and are interested in dental implant restorations, call 859-251-3809. Also feel free to request a dental consultation with our dentists through our website.

To learn more about our dental implant services at our Lexington dental office, visit: