Our dedication to our patients’ quality of life isn’t just echoed by our intuitive nutritionist and in-office energy healer—it’s also apparent in the treatments that we offer. Dental implants from our South Portland, ME dentist are one of the latest restorative solutions in the dental world that boast an impressive 98 percent success rate. They look, feel, and function nearly identically to your natural teeth, so you can feel confident when you smile, eat, or laugh.
A dental implant is a small post made from titanium, which is a biocompatible metal, that is placed below your gumline to restore the missing root of a tooth. Once inserted, you’ll undergo a healing stage where the post will chemically fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This allows the post to provide vital stimulation and blood flow to the jawbone to keep it from deteriorating and preserve your facial structure. Then, we’ll be able to attach your dental crown, bridge, or denture to the implants to repair the entire structure of any number of missing teeth.
Dental implants come so highly recommended by patients and professionals alike because they offer a variety of unique benefits that set them apart from traditional restorations. Some advantages that you’ll be able to enjoy when you get implants include:
The best way to learn whether dental implants are right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Parét. During this appointment, our team will examine your mouth along with a 3D blueprint of your oral cavity as well as the nerves and tissues present in your facial structure. This will provide us with important information to determine whether you’re a good candidate for the dental implant procedure. We’ll then outline a customized treatment plan with you, including details such as how many implants you’ll need placed, what type of restoration you require, and details about pricing.
For a single missing tooth, we can place one dental implant below your gumline. Once it heals and fuses with the jawbone, we’ll attach a metal connector piece, called an abutment, to it that will secure your dental crown in place and maintain the current alignment of your teeth.
Our patients who are missing multiple consecutive teeth can benefit from our implant-retained bridge. We’ll place two dental implant posts at either end of the gap in your arch, which will hold the crowns located at both ends of the bridge. During this procedure, no alteration of your existing healthy teeth is required.
To replace an entire arch of teeth, we also offer implant-retained dentures. We’ll secure a customized denture to anywhere from four to eight dental implant posts located along the arch. Once attached to the abutments, you won’t have to worry about slipping or shifting dentures.
When preparing to move forward with dental implants, it is important that you understand it is a multi-step process that requires several months to complete. Although it takes longer to achieve desired results than more traditional tooth replacement solutions, the superior quality and long-term benefits are worth the investment in time and money. Not only will you receive a new smile that is capable of lasting 30 years or even a lifetime with proper care, but you’ll also enjoy greater functionality, an improved appearance, and better oral health.
As you embark on this journey, remember, no two patients are alike. Although treatment plans will vary from patient to patient, you can expect a similar process to occur. If you’re ready to learn how dental implants work in South Portland, Maine, let’s take a look.
During your initial consultation with Dr. Parét, she will examine your smile and full oral cavity before assessing your facial structure using a Cone Beam CT Scanner. By capturing a complete image of your bone, nerve paths, and other structures, she can use the 3D model to craft a customized treatment plan based on your individual needs. It is also during this visit that she will explain, in detail, the entire process step-by-step as well as provide an estimated timeline for receiving your new and improved smile.
Should you require any preliminary treatments (i.e., tooth extractions, bone grafting, periodontal therapy), your implant dentist in South Portland, Maine, will go over the necessary procedure and expectations.
Dr. Parét is dedicated to achieving beautiful, successful results that last a lifetime, which is why she partners with South Portland’s most recognized oral surgeons during the dental implant process. After your initial consultation, our team will help you schedule your dental implant surgery with one of our recommended specialists. Using a team-based approach, you will receive the best possible care.
During your surgery, you will be administered local anesthesia, which will numb the appropriate areas of your mouth before one or more incisions are made in your gums. After carefully placing each implant into the respective areas of your jawbone, a cap will be placed over the post to better protect it and allow for the gum tissue to maintain its shape.
Once your surgical procedure is complete, you will return home to spend the next 4-6 months recovering. During this time, osseointegration will occur, which is the process of your implants fusing with the bone and surrounding tissues. Yes, this process does require much patience on your part, but remember, it is well worth the wait.
You will also receive temporary restorations during this time that will allow you to experience what your new smile will look and feel like. Once osseointegration is finished, you will return to our dental office to receive your abutment(s), which are metal appliances that connect to the dental implants in South Portland, Maine, and help to secure your restoration to your new tooth root.
The final step of the dental implant process is receiving your customized dental restoration. Your gum tissue and bone must be fully healed before it is secured in place. Lab technicians will send your fabricated dental crown, bridge, or full denture to our office where Dr. Parét will carefully secure it to the top of your implants. Because of the high-quality materials used, you can expect your new teeth to look extremely lifelike and feel completely comfortable. After months of waiting, you’ll finally get to enjoy a healthier, more beautiful smile and better quality of life.
Once we’ve had a chance to review your mouth and determine how many implants you need, what type of restoration you require, and whether you need to undergo preparatory procedures before your surgery, we can breakdown the cost with you. Our team is dedicated to helping maximize your dental insurance benefits in any way we’re able to. We also offer additional financing through CareCredit, which makes the process easy and affordable.
