Dental implants in Medina replace missing teeth from root to crown. Stable, bone-strengthening and beautiful, these prosthetic teeth are require expert placement, adequate healing time and diligent aftercare. Learn all about these prosthetics and the procedure from Dr. Allan J. Milewski, Medina dentist.
The Restorative Dental Consultation
You are missing one or more teeth and are concerned about your appearance, oral function and the impact on your remaining teeth. What are your options for tooth replacement? Are dental implants a viable option for you?
If you have these questions, schedule a restorative dentistry consultation with Dr. Allan J. Milewski. He will carefully evaluate your oral health and present you with options to fill your smile gaps beautifully. He works to give you the best functioning smile possible.
To qualify for Medina dental implants, an individual must have good oral and overall health. That means no active gum disease and sufficient bone in the jaw to support dental implant devices.
Dr. Milewski can tell if you qualify through a simple oral exam, some digital X-rays and other imaging. He also tells patients that good oral hygiene habits are a must, and that, while it is not absolutely necessary to quit smoking, it certainly helps implant sites remain healthy over time.
The Dental Implant Process
During a subsequent visit to Dr. Milewski’s office, the patient receives the dental implant device. The dentist numbs the area and incises the gums. He drills a small pilot hole in the bone, and literally screws the titanium implant device in place. He closes the gums, and the patient returns home for a period of healing.
As the implant site heals, the jaw bone bonds to the titanium screw. Titanium is a miracle metal, possessing amazing affinity for human bone. This bond is called osseointegration. Orthopedic surgeons also use titanium in large joint replacements for the hip and knee because of osseointegration and the strong foundation it creates for prosthetics.
The process of osseointegration takes several weeks. It is important to wait until bone and implant fully bond so the dental implant can withstand the biting and chewing forces the mouth exerts on teeth and bone.
After the site heals, the patient returns to his Medina dentist to receive a metal alloy extension post and custom-fabricated porcelain crown. Dr. Milewski may use dental implants to support fixed bridgework or dentures for patients missing several or all of their teeth.
Caring for a Dental Implant
While placing a dental implant can take several weeks, good after care lasts a lifetime. Dr. Milewski and his team encourage implant recipients to brush twice daily with a soft brush and to carefully floss around their implants. They also urge smokers to seek out a tobacco cessation program.
As with all their patients, the team likes to see people with dental implants twice a year for exams and cleanings. While implants do not decay, gums and bone around these devices must remain free of plaque and tartar to remain healthy. With good care, dental implants stay in place for decades, says the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
Learn More
Contact the offices of Allan J. Milewski DDS to speak with this experienced dentist about dental implants. You may have a fully restored smile faster than you ever thought possible.