A Lifelong Solution to Tooth Loss
Patients missing one or several teeth know how challenging it can be to speak, chew, and smile with ease. Tooth loss can make you feel hesitant to show off your smile, and may present oral health risks such as jawbone deterioration.
We believe each patient deserves a complete, functional smile that they can feel proud to have. Dr. Kim, our East Lansing dental implant specialist, can provide you with dental implants to permanently restore your smile and confidence. You won’t have to worry about jawbone deterioration or teeth shifting with dental implants.
Read on to learn how Dr. Kim can swiftly restore your smile with an implant restoration. We proudly serve patients in Meridian, Okemos, and Bath, MI.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium fixtures inserted directly into the jawbone for maximum stability and longevity. A natural-looking dental crown will be placed on top of the implant to restore your smile’s appearance and functionality.
Implants mimic tooth roots, so they can help prevent common issues of missing teeth like teeth shifting and jawbone deterioration. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime, allowing you to smile with pride and enjoy life without restrictions.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered the gold standard in restorative dentistry for a good reason. Implants offer several benefits, including:
- Durable and Long-Lasting: Since implants are placed directly into the jawbone, they’ll never shift or come loose and can last a lifetime; however, your restorative dental crown may only last up to 15 years.
- Easy Maintenance: Your implant restoration requires the same care as natural teeth. Brush twice a day and floss regularly to maintain its condition.
- Supports Jawbone Health: With implants, you won’t have to worry about your jawbone deteriorating and leading to a sunken appearance. Implants provide the necessary stimulation the jawbone needs to remain healthy.
- Natural Look and Function: Implants align perfectly with your teeth for a seamless blend with your natural smile. Your dental crown will also be customized to match your teeth so you can enjoy a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
Candidacy for Dental Implants
Our Lansing dentist may recommend dental implants to patients with:
- Ill-fitting dentures or bridges
- One or more missing teeth
- Severely decayed teeth
- Irreparably damaged teeth
Being eligible for dental implants will depend on the patient’s oral health and jawbone density, as they’re crucial foundations. Patients may require a supplemental procedure before receiving implants if they have an underlying oral health issue, gum disease, or atrophied jaws.
The Dental Implant Process
During your consultation, Dr. Kim will use our advanced iTero digital scanner to determine if you’re a proper candidate for dental implants. She’ll explain which supplemental procedure is necessary to improve successful implant placement. She’ll also discuss your treatment’s cost estimate and your preference for dental sedation.
Depending on your individual needs, you may be able to receive your implant restoration in as few as two appointments. Dr. Kim will begin your first appointment by administering a local anesthetic so the process is virtually painless. Our practice offers additional dental sedation methods for patients struggling with dental anxiety or experiencing difficulty getting numb from anesthesia alone.
Once the area is numb, Dr. Kim will make a small incision in your gums to access the jawbone and insert your implant fixture. She’ll place a temporary dental crown over the implant site to protect it during the healing process.
You’ll return to our East Lansing office for your final fitting after the process of osseointegration has taken place. Osseointegration takes about three to six months and is the process in which your implant fuses to your jawbone for a stable and permanent fit.
Dr. Kim will remove your temporary crown before placing your final restoration. Your dental crown will be custom-made to match the shape size, and color of your natural teeth for a seamless appearance. Dr. Kim will make any necessary adjustments to your restoration and you’ll be ready to showcase your restored smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve decided to have a decayed or damaged tooth extracted and replaced with a dental implant restoration, you’ll need to wait for your mouth to heal before receiving an implant. The healing period can take two to three months, depending on your oral health. Dr. Kim will provide you with an estimated treatment timeline at your initial consultation.
Not at all! Thanks to our safe sedation methods, your dental implant procedure will be virtually painless and stress-free. Our staff will monitor you throughout your appointment to ensure you’re at ease.
You may experience mild discomfort when the numbness subsides, but any pain should fade within a few days. You can use cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medications to alleviate any soreness.
Dental implant fixtures are designed to last a lifetime, but your dental crown may need to be replaced after 15 years. To keep your restoration in good shape for years to come, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
We also encourage all patients to schedule biannual appointments for routine dental cleanings and exams. These regular visits will help support both your oral health and implant restoration.
Learn How Dr. Kim Can Restore Your Complete Smile
If you’re looking for the best implant dentist in East Lansing, look no further than Caroline Kim Cairns, DDS. Our practice features state-of-the-art dental technology and dental staff with years of experience to provide you with an implant restoration that’ll last a lifetime.
Schedule an appointment today by calling (517) 332-8665 to see how Dr. Kim can transform your smile and oral health. We welcome patients from Bath, Meridian, and Okemos, MI. You can also fill out our convenient contact form to schedule an appointment online.