Having missing teeth is not something anyone enjoys. People who do have these issues or other oral problems often hide their smiles or feel self-conscious about them. Much of this is related to aesthetics, but the truth is the need for restoration goes well beyond just how your teeth look. Implant restoration provides significant improvements to functionality, oral health, and the visual appeal of your smile. It impacts your quality of life and is a great way to fill a gap or resolve an issue with missing teeth. 

At Smith Dental Care, we take great pride in offering innovative solutions to meet every need. We combine expertise, advanced technology, and a passion for each of our clients to see exceptional results. Our dental implant restoration solutions can restore smiles and boost confidence. 

Understanding Dental Implant Restoration

What is implant restoration? This process uses a device implanted into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. This is a step beyond dentures, providing a more permanent alternative. The implant works by using a prosthetic tooth attached to a titanium post. Your provider implants this post into the jawbone. There is a unique design behind this concept. The implant device itself replaces the root of a natural tooth, allowing total restoration that mimics not just the appearance but also the function of natural teeth. 

The implant restoration will seamlessly integrate into your smile and will be permanent. This can be done with multiple teeth in a denture format, a single tooth, or even something like a bridge. It simply depends on the patient’s needs. 

Implant Restoration vs Replacement

Implant restoration and replacement may seem like a similar term, but there is a slight difference. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but you should be familiar with the differences to avoid confusion. Replacement refers to the entire process of addressing a missing tooth or missing teeth. This includes the placement of the implant, but it covers the entire process, rather than just the implant itself. 

The implant restoration process refers specifically to the attachment of the implant prosthetic, which is the final step of restoration or replacement to complete a functional and natural-looking tooth replacement. 

Think of restoration or replacement as part of the entire journey. The goal is to transform your smile through methods that will last for many years. An implant is considered a permanent fixture because of the way it’s attached. Replacing teeth with implant restoration is a culmination of the process from start to finish. The implant is placed in the jawbone and will go through a fusing process known as osseointegration. 

As osseointegration happens, it ensures the prosthetic fits the way it should and functions as though it were your natural tooth. That helps to effectively complete the transformation you are looking for. 

Types of Implant Restorations

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There is more than one option when it comes to implant restoration, because not everyone has the same needs. Where one individual may need help for just one or two teeth, another might need work throughout their mouth or for many teeth. The approach should be tailored to meet your unique needs, rather than provided as a one-size-fits-all solution. 

Each patient has unique needs as well as preferences, but the great thing is that implants can tackle anything from a single tooth to a full set of teeth. Understanding the options available will help you know what to ask your provider about and allow you to make a fully informed decision for your oral health. 

Below, we explore some of the primary types of implant restorations and how they work. 

Single Tooth Restoration

When there is just one tooth that needs to be restored, this is known as single tooth restoration. In this scenario, the restoration takes place using an implanted crown, which will be natural and provide a durable replacement. The crown is crafted specifically for the patient and attached to the implant to provide a blended look with your surrounding teeth. 

The goal is that while it’s just one tooth, it should still look flawless and work with your remaining teeth. A single tooth restoration can be used in multiple places where just one tooth might need attention. There is a process for having the implant and crown placed. Your provider can work with you at each step and let you know exactly what to expect from the process. 

Implant-Supported Bridges

For an individual that is missing multiple adjacent teeth, an implant-supported bridge is a good option. A bridge is a series of teeth that are placed where the multiple teeth are missing. Traditional bridges rely on your natural teeth to give them the necessary support to stay in place, but an implant-supported bridge offers the bridge solution, while affixing them as a permanent bridge. 

The bridge is created to blend with your natural teeth so that nobody can tell it’s not your teeth. The implant is placed to stabilize and provide a permanent fixture for the bridge. Then, the bridge is anchored into the necessary place permanently with the implant. This allows increased stability, considering there are multiple teeth to replace. It also helps to preserve your oral health by protecting the surrounding gums from further deterioration. 

Implant-Supported Dentures

Dentures are typically used to replace the majority of the teeth in your mouth. There are both partial dentures and full dentures, but either way this is for multiple teeth beyond what a bridge will cover. Dentures are a common choice for tooth replacement, but they are often not permanent and require a lot of maintenance and care for functionality. 

On the other hand, implant-supported dentures provide a fixed denture option, holding them in place so you have full functionality as well as stability. They don’t have to be removed, and you won’t face as much deterioration or the side effects that many people with dentures experience. Instead, you have permanent fixtures that act like dentures, effectively replacing your teeth. 

The benefit of implant-supported dentures is they are comfortable, functional, and long-lasting. Those who use implant-supported dentures can speak and chew with confidence and not have to worry about slipping or other discomfort that might occur with traditional dentures. 

Custom Restorations

Because not every need is the same, sometimes patients need a custom solution. Custom restorations can provide that solution for people who have more complex or complicated needs than any of these basic categories. If you have unique challenges or issues, your provider can design custom solutions to meet your needs. 

A patient with irregular spacing or other specialized issues can receive custom restorations that are catered to those needs. It’s a relief to know that even when your needs are unusual, they can still be met. 

The Implant Restoration Process

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Implant restoration is not a process that happens in just one day. There are many steps to the process, but when you start it you can know that at the end, you have restoration that lasts. The process to restoration requires thorough evaluation, planning, preparation, and implantation. The timeline takes planning and accuracy for precision in order to ensure the results are good. 

Each step of the process ensures optimal results, addressing unique dental needs and using advanced technology for personalized care. Learn more about the different phases and what you can expect from the process below. 

1. Consultation & Evaluation

The first step is to meet with us at Smith Dental Care so we can properly evaluate and assess your needs. The consultation gives you a chance to get to know us, and it gives us the chance to ensure we can meet your needs. The consultation process allows us to do the following: 

• Complete an in-depth evaluation
• Review your medical history
• Understand your needs and goals
• Discuss your preferences

It’s a great time for you to ask any questions you might have and learn what to expect from the process. Once we complete our evaluation and have all the information we need, we can create a suitable restoration plan to help you achieve the results you are looking for. 

2. Impressions (Digital Scan) & Design Phase

We take impressions so that we have a model of what your mouth and teeth look like to create implants that will fit where needed and work as they are designed to do. At Smith Dental Care, we use state-of-the-art digital scanning technology that eliminates the need for messy and bulky impression trays. 

The iTero digital impression system captures detailed impressions of your teeth and gums that can be used to perfectly adapt implants for your missing tooth or teeth. The digital impression will scan your teeth, gums, jawline, shape, and more. This allows us to create custom restoration solutions perfectly tailored to your smile so that implant restoration complements your natural smile and fits correctly where placed. 

The iTero scanner is more comfortable to work with, but it also is more accurate from the very beginning and gives us instant results for a model of your teeth. These scans will be used to design your implants perfectly. 

3. Restoration Placement

Once the various parts of the implant are ready, we will work to place the implant device itself and then any attached pieces, such as a crown or bridge. The implant requires a surgical procedure to affix it into your jawbone. This creates a permanent fixture that will stay in place and support your gums and surrounding teeth. 

When the implant is placed and ready, the tooth replacement pieces will be attached to the implant. We ensure it is placed and fits correctly to provide functionality and comfort as you get accustomed to the new item in your mouth. 

When everything is in place, we check your alignment and bite. If all is well, your restoration process is complete. Keep in mind, you may experience some discomfort during the healing process, but once you pass that phase, your implants should be fully functional. 

4. Follow-Up Care

While the implant restoration is complete, it will be important to continue follow-up care afterward. Follow-up care will include appointments designed to ensure the implants are healing and working as they should. However, you also need to stay on top of oral healthcare, such as your regular dental cleanings. 

We will provide you with guidance for maintenance and upkeep for your implant restoration so that you can take proper care of the implants and ensure they provide long-term results to meet your needs. 

The Benefits of Implant Restoration

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Dental implant restorations are more than just another cosmetic solution. They can be life-changing, and they provide an advanced solution for dental care and handling a variety of dental needs. Implant restoration provides functional and aesthetic benefits for missing teeth, helping you regain your confidence, improve your oral health, and experience total smile transformation in all the right ways. 

There are many benefits of this approach when you need restoration. Check out more about the benefits below. 

Restore Chewing Ability and Functionality

Struggling to chew your favorite foods is a major hassle. Many people with dentures or with missing teeth find themselves struggling to chew or even limiting their diets to things that are easier to chew. 

Implant restoration allows you to actively chew your food and use your teeth as intended. It restores functionality for multiple things, including your speech. The best part is that the implants will allow you to appreciate functionality without worrying about limitations or discomfort. 

Natural-Looking Appearance

Implants blend with your natural teeth. Whether you get a single tooth implant or implant-supported dentures, you have a natural look. They will blend seamlessly with any existing teeth or into the shape of your mouth. The restoration process isn’t designed to make your fake teeth stand out or be noticeable. Instead, it looks natural, right down to the shades of the implants to blend with your teeth. 

Long-Lasting and Durable Solution

Implant restoration isn’t a temporary fix. It’s not a solution that will work for a few months or even a couple of years and then not fit right or no longer work well. This is meant to be considered a permanent solution. Implant restorations can last for decades when they are put in correctly and then properly maintained and cared for. 

Implant restorations mimic your natural teeth and function as them, too. Because your provider implants the restorative piece into your jawbone, it is stable and reliable. It’s not slippery, ill-fitting, or impossible to keep in. It’s permanently placed and should function just like any other teeth, without the unwanted discomfort or issues that come with some options. 

Improve Oral Health and Jawbone Preservation

When you have one or more missing teeth, this causes your gum line and jawbone to start deteriorating. One of the benefits of implant restoration is that it actively restores and supports your jawbone, gums, and any surrounding teeth as well. The implant in your jawbone supports your entire mouth in a way that stimulates the jawbone and helps to prevent bone loss or facial structure loss. 

Boost Confidence and Quality of Life

You deserve to live your best life, even when you have dental issues. Whether you struggle to smile because you are simply not comfortable showing your teeth or you can’t use your teeth well because of issues, you deserve better. 

Implant restoration improves your smile and how it looks, but it also boosts your quality of life by ensuring you can use your teeth and your mouth with complete functionality. You shouldn’t have to stop eating chips because your dentures slide. Nobody should have to say they can’t eat a steak because they can’t chew it. These are just two examples, but you name the issue that holds you back and the concept is the same. 

A complete and functional smile will give you the confidence boost you deserve and also allow you to use your teeth and mouth so you can improve your quality of life overall. 

Why Choose Smith Dental Care for Implant Restoration? 

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Smith Dental Care commits to providing every client with customized care to meet their unique needs. When it comes to something as complex and permanent as implant restoration, you deserve a provider who is knowledgeable, skilled, and caring. We take great pride in caring for every patient we see. You will find that our expertise combined with a compassionate approach makes a world of difference in your experience. 

These are just a few reasons to consider Smith Dental Care: 

• Extensive Experience: all of our providers have a long history in the dental field, including a proven history of successful implant restorations for many different needs

• Advanced Technology: we utilize state-of-the-art technology and equipment to ensure precision and efficiency while also providing you with a more comfortable experience

• Patient-Focused Approach: every patient is important to us, and you will receive personalized care perfectly designed to meet your unique needs

• High-Quality Materials: we believe in investing in quality materials to ensure the best results for our clients. We use premium materials to ensure you get lasting results from your implant restoration
• Comprehensive Aftercare: we don’t treat you and then ditch you; we provide ongoing support and recommendations to ensure you get the most out of your implants and your comfort for long-term needs

You deserve high-quality care and we are proud to offer that for you, no matter what your dental needs may be. 

Implant Restoration FAQs

Below, you will find some of the most common questions we hear about implant restorations, complete with answers. If you have a question you don’t see here, don’t hesitate to reach out and we will be happy to help! 

What is the Lifespan of Implant Restoration?

Ideally, implant restoration is a permanent solution, although they may require some upkeep over time. With proper care, they will last a minimum of 10-15 years and quite possibly far longer. 

Is the Process Painful? 

Placing dental implants is a surgical procedure. You receive local anesthesia (numbing) or sedation during the placement and procedure. You will not feel anything during that time. Most patients experience some minimal discomfort and adjustment following the procedure, but this should not last more than a few days. 

How Do I Care for My Restored Implants? 

Follow all recommendations for care and maintenance, come to your follow-up appointments, keep a consistent hygiene routine, and stay on track with dental checkups. 

What if My Restoration Needs Adjustments or Repairs? 

Let us know if you have concerns or if something doesn’t seem to be right. We can repair and adjust as needed to ensure your restoration is effective. 

Preparing for the Cost of Implant Restorations

The total cost for implant restorations will vary from patient to patient. This may depend on the number of implants needed, any additional procedures required to make the implants work, and the materials used for the process. 

At Smith Dental Care, we are always transparent with pricing and will give you upfront costs for your unique situation and needs. We do work with a variety of insurance providers and even have financing and payment plan solutions that you may be able to take advantage of to help with out-of-pocket expenses. 

Tips for Maintaining Your Implant Restorations

In closing, we have a few final tips to help you maintain your implants and ensure they last. 

• Practice regular proper oral hygiene such as flossing and brushing
• Schedule regular dental checkups (recommended twice per year)
• Avoid harmful habits like chewing ice, smoking, biting nails, etc. 

Work with Smith Dental Care for Implant Restorations

Dental implant restoration is a transformative process that gives you long-lasting solutions for missing teeth. With implant restoration, you can restore your smile as well as the functionality of your teeth. At Smith Dental Care, we commit to delivering precision, quality care, and excellence for every restoration and transformation. 

Contact us today to schedule your consultation.