Dental Implants
Professional Dental Implants in Waterville & Winthrop, ME
Smile with Confidence Again
If you need to replace a tooth, then dental implants are a great first step towards restoring your smile. Our tooth implants provide you with a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. The dental implant specialists at Smile Solutions of Maine in Winthrop and Waterville combine their years of experience with the latest techniques and technologies. Find out how we can help improve your smile by contacting us online or calling our office in Waterville at 207-873-2073 or Winthrop at 207-377-6958 today.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a modern dental treatment used to replace missing or damaged teeth. It involves a titanium screw that is inserted into the jawbone to serve as a replacement for the root of a natural tooth. Once the implant is placed and the surrounding bone heals, a crown or bridge is attached to complete the restoration. Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function just like natural teeth, offering a secure and long-lasting solution for tooth replacement.
Are You Ready to Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants?
If you are missing one or more teeth and are seeking a long-lasting, natural solution, dental implants at Smile Solutions of Maine could be the answer. Whether you are tired of dealing with loose dentures or you simply want a permanent, more comfortable solution to tooth loss, dental implants offer unmatched benefits.
At Smile Solutions of Maine, we specialize in providing high-quality dental implants in Waterville and Winthrop, ME. Led by an experienced team of dental professionals, we use the latest technology and proven techniques to ensure your treatment is smooth, successful, and tailored to your needs.
How Do Dental Implants Work? A Step-by-Step Process
When you choose dental implants at Smile Solutions of Maine, the process is straightforward and patient-focused. Here’s how it works:
- Consultation and Planning: First, we conduct a thorough examination, including digital X-rays and 3D scans, to assess your jawbone and oral health. This helps us create a personalized treatment plan.
- Surgical Placement: Next, we surgically place the titanium post (implant) into the jawbone. This procedure is done under local anesthesia, ensuring your comfort throughout.
- Healing and Osseointegration: After the post is placed, your jawbone will gradually fuse with the implant over several months, creating a solid foundation for your new tooth.
- Crown Placement: Once the implant has fully integrated, we will place a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture on top, giving you a fully restored smile.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have a number of advantages compared to other tooth replacement options including:
- Look and Feel Like Your Natural Teeth
- Improved Speech
- More Comfortable Than Removable Replacement Teeth
- Long-Lasting
- Easier to Eat and Chew
- Improved Self-Esteem
- Don’t Damage Nearby Teeth
- Stimulates Bone Growth and Prevents Bone Loss
- High Success Rate
Dental implants also have the added benefit of preserving bone, and can also be effective in helping retain dentures more predictably.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you’re in good overall health and have sufficient bone density in your jaw, dental implants may be the ideal solution for you. However, it’s important to note that certain factors, such as gum disease or inadequate bone structure, may require additional treatments like bone grafting before proceeding with implants.
Our team at Smile Solutions of Maine will carefully evaluate your condition to determine if dental implants are the best option for restoring your smile.
Can Dental Implants Be Used to Replace Multiple Missing Teeth?
Absolutely! Dental implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full set of teeth. For patients missing several teeth, we offer solutions like implant-supported bridges or full-mouth restoration.
If you need a complete set of teeth restored, full-mouth dental implants are a durable, permanent option. This treatment involves using implants to support a set of custom dentures, providing you with the most stable and natural-looking solution.
Our Dental Implant Procedures in Waterville & Winthrop, ME
The first thing our dental implant specialists in Waterville and Winthrop, ME will do is to develop a customized treatment plan with you. One of the many advantages of having Smile Solutions of Maine perform your implant surgery is our in-office cone-beam CBCT machine, which takes 3-D images of the bone for more accurate results. The entire process, from the implant surgery through to the restorative phase of treatment, is all done in the same office and, in most cases, there is no need to see other specialists.
The Process for Implants
The procedure itself to surgically place the tooth implant takes a few hours or less. The average duration of the implant procedure is about an hour and a half, start to finish. During the procedure, our dental implant surgeon will remove the damaged tooth. They will then surgically apply the metal screw-like implants to your jawbone. A temporary tooth replacement is than placed on top of the implant as it heals.
Our dental implant surgeons will then allow the implant and jawbone to heal together in a process called osseointegration. This can take upwards 4-5 months, plus additional time if a bone graft is necessary prior to implant placement.
Once the tooth implant has finished healing, our dental implant specialists will then craft a customized tooth replacement. The permanent tooth restoration is than expertly applied to the dental implant, giving you a natural-looking smile.
Is the Dental Implant Procedure Painful?
All of our implants are placed using just local anesthetic. Most of our implant patients tell us that there is very little to almost no discomfort during the procedure, as well as afterwards.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The costs of your dental implant procedure will depend on the final restoration that will be attached to the implant (i.e. a single tooth crown, a bridge with multiple implants or dentures that will snap onto several implants). Most insurances will cover a portion of the cost.
How Long Can Tooth Implants Last?
Tooth implants can last for the remainder of your life. Factors that affect longevity include things like smoking, diabetes, poor bone quality, and excessive forces from habits such as clenching and grinding of teeth.
How Should I Care for My Dental Implants?
Caring for your dental implants is easy and similar to caring for natural teeth. Here are a few tips to ensure their longevity:
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Just like natural teeth, you should brush your implants at least twice a day and floss daily.
- Visit Us for Regular Check-Ups: Routine visits to our office will help monitor the health of your implants and ensure their proper functioning.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of complications, so it’s important to quit or minimize smoking after your procedure.
- Use a Night Guard: If you grind your teeth, wearing a night guard can protect your implants and surrounding teeth.
Are There Alternatives to Dental Implants?
While dental implants are a highly effective solution for tooth loss, there are alternatives that may be appropriate for certain patients:
- Dentures: Traditional dentures are removable and can replace a full set of missing teeth, but they can be uncomfortable and require adhesives to stay in place.
- Bridges: Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth and are anchored to adjacent teeth. While effective, they don’t offer the same stability or longevity as implants.
While these options may work for some, dental implants offer superior benefits, including better comfort, function, and long-term durability.
Why Choose Smile Solutions of Maine for Your Dental Implants?
At Smile Solutions of Maine, we stand out for our commitment to delivering the highest quality care using advanced technology. Here’s why you should choose us for your dental implant needs:
- Experienced Dentists: Our team, including Dr. Peter Laliberte, Dr. Joseph Dumont, Dr. Peter G. Vayanos, and Dr. Jay Wietecha, has extensive experience and training in implant dentistry, ensuring you receive the best treatment possible.
- State-of-the-Art Technology: We use the latest tools, including 3D scanning and digital radiography, to plan and execute your treatment with precision.
- Patient-Centered Care: We prioritize your comfort and ensure you feel at ease throughout the entire process, from consultation to post-treatment care.
- Comprehensive Services: Whether you need a single tooth replacement, a full-mouth restoration, or something in between, we have the expertise and options to meet your needs.
Ready to Repair Your Smile?
You deserve a long-lasting and natural-looking smile. The dental implant specialists at Smile Solutions of Maine in Winthrop and Waterville, ME are ready to give it to you. By using advanced technologies, the latest techniques, and thanks to years of experience, we work to ensure our patients rest easy knowing that our dental implant surgeons will craft you a beautiful smile. Find out how we can repair your smile by contacting us or calling our office in Waterville at 207-873-2073 or Winthrop at 207-377-6958 today.