402-999-0613
A Permanent Solution to Tooth Loss
Living with missing teeth can have detrimental effects on your oral health and overall wellness. The gaps in your smile not only impact your ability to eat and speak properly but also put you at a higher risk for additional tooth loss, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.
Your natural teeth fit together to keep your facial structure and bite strong, so when tooth decay or injury leads to tooth loss, it’s imperative to restore your smile to full function. That’s why Dr. Hoffman recommends dental implants to reinforce the integrity of your natural smile and protect your oral health.
Read on to learn more about our dental implant process.
Three Steps to Restore Your Smile
Dental implants are the only permanent, natural-looking solution for missing teeth. Unlike other restoration options, dental implants are designed to replace all parts of the tooth from crown to root and are composed of three parts: the titanium post, an abutment connector, and the crown.
The titanium post is surgically implanted into your jaw and is designed to replace the tooth roots. The roots of your teeth are important because they not only keep your teeth secured in place, they also keep your jawbone stimulated. Restoration options like bridges and dentures replace missing teeth only above the gum line. Without the jawbone stimulation, you’re put at risk for bone loss. Dental implants actively work to prevent jawbone loss so you never have to worry about developing a sunken appearance.
Depending on your unique situation, Dr. Hoffman may use a dental implant in tandem with a bridge or denture so that you can still enjoy the benefits and permanence of dental implants.
Above the gumline, we’ll place a prosthetic tooth known as a porcelain crown. It’s the only part of your restoration that will be seen and is color-matched with your natural teeth to blend seamlessly into your smile. The abutment is simply a connector piece that connects the post to the crown.
The Dental Implant Process
Receiving implants is a three-step process that’s typically completed over the course of several months. Though many patients worry that the process is complicated, it’s actually simpler than you might expect.
Explore below to learn about each step of the dental implant process.
Your Free Consultation
Implant Placement
Final Restoration
Your Free Consultation
The first step to your new smile is scheduling a free consultation with Dr. Hoffman. During this visit, he’ll evaluate your teeth, gums, and jawbone to determine if dental implants are the best option for you. He’ll also answer any questions you have about the procedure.
Dental implants have a 98% success rate, which is why they’re a highly recommended replacement option for missing teeth. The success of your procedure depends heavily on the healing process and strength of your jawbone, which means if you have poor oral health or suffer from jawbone deterioration or gum recession, you may not be a good candidate for dental implants.
However, Dr. Hoffman can help you become an ideal candidate for implants with a supplemental procedure. These typically include procedures such as periodontal therapy, bone grafting, or soft tissue augmentation, enhancing your oral health and jaw strength to prepare you for receiving implants.
When Dr. Hoffman has determined you’re ready, we can move forward to the placement of your dental implant.
Implant Placement
Dr. Hoffman will begin by administering a local anesthetic so you won’t feel a thing during the procedure. For patients who suffer from dental anxiety, we also offer oral sedation to put you at ease. When you’re ready, Dr. Hoffman will place the titanium implant fixture directly in your jaw. He’ll use a computer-milled surgical guide to ensure your implant is placed precisely where it needs to be.
After surgery, you’ll need to allow three to six months for your jaw to heal. This is when osseointegration occurs, the process of your implant fusing with your jawbone to replace the natural tooth root. It’s because of this unique process that your permanent implant solution will look and function like a natural tooth.
Final Restoration
Once the healing process is complete, you can return to our office for your prosthetic tooth. If you’re only replacing a single tooth, Dr. Hoffman will top your implant with a porcelain crown. Depending on your restoration needs, we also feature fixed bridges and full-arch dentures.
No matter which solution you choose, we’ll customize it to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth for a stunning smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental implants last?
How long does the dental implant process take?
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants are a tooth replacement solution that can last a lifetime. They’re surgically affixed to your jawbone, resulting in unmatched stability and durability. While the implant itself can last decades, you may need to replace the attached crown, bridge, or denture after years of normal wear and tear.
To ensure the longevity of your dental implant, you’ll want to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and rinse between meals. In addition to following a regular oral hygiene routine, it’s important to schedule biannual appointments at our Lincoln office.
During these visits, we’ll examine your dental implant and restoration to ensure they’re in excellent condition. We’ll also perform a professional cleaning and assess your teeth and gums so we can recommend any treatments or tips that will improve the health of your smile.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The duration of the dental implant process is different from patient to patient, depending on several factors. These include your oral health, how many implants are needed, and whether a supplemental procedure is required.
If you’re an ideal candidate, the process typically takes about 6 months. The duration of your treatment also depends on how long it takes your jawbone and gums to heal around the implant. Implants on the upper arch tend to take longer and healing times vary from patient to patient.
For an accurate time estimate, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Hoffman. During this visit, he’ll review your oral health and create a customized treatment plan that will include a timeline. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call our Lincoln office at (402) 999-0613 and a knowledgeable team member will be happy to assist you.
Get Your Renewed Smile Today
Missing teeth can impact the integrity of your natural smile and put you at risk for oral health problems like periodontal disease. Protect your health and your smile with a high-quality, permanent dental implant. If you’re interested in dental implants, it only takes three steps to restore health and beauty to your smile. Call our office in Lincoln at 402-999-0613 and schedule a free consultation with Dr. Hoffman today.