Whether you need a problematic tooth removed or have a tooth already missing, dental implants are the best choice for replacement in Cody, WY. They ensure patients receive restored oral function and a new smile they can feel confident showing. Our oral surgeons, Dr. Bennion, Dr. Boyce, and Dr. Tracy can use implants in a variety of restoration treatments, including procedures to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full arch of teeth.
What are dental implants?
They’re a revolutionary tooth restoration solution designed to replicate the exact appearance and function of natural teeth. The three-part design includes
- The implant post, which is composed of medical-grade titanium. It fuses with the jaw bone and creates the foundation needed to support the remaining pieces of the restoration.
- The abutment, which is a metal attachment that connects the post to the crown.
- The crown, which your restorative dentist will custom design to look and function just like your, making the dental implants indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Once your treatment is complete, you will regain your ability to eat your favorite foods and smile with confidence. You can learn more about this life-changing restoration by visiting our office in Cody, WY.
What are the benefits?
Other restoration options, such as tooth-supported bridges, flippers, and dentures, require replacement after several years of wear and tear; they simply do not offer the same benefits to your oral health.
The most common benefits associated with dental implants include the following:
- They provide increased stability. Their unique self-supportive nature allows them to create the stable foundation needed without sacrificing the health of nearby teeth. With the integration of the titanium post and the jaw bone, patients can eat any food they like without worrying about the dental implants breaking or falling out.
- They prevent bone deterioration. To remain healthy, the jaw bone needs stimulation from chewing. When teeth are missing, the bone loses this stimulation and beings deteriorating. Fortunately, implants mimic the full anatomy of a natural tooth, meaning the post acts as a tooth root and provides the stimulation needed to prevent jaw bone loss.
- They help maintain the health and alignment of other teeth. Other replacement options, such as bridges, require the grinding down of healthy teeth for support. Choosing no restoration at all can lead to nearby teeth shifting, resulting in misalignment. Dental implants replace the root and crown of a tooth, meaning there is no room for nearby teeth to shift, and there is no need for nearby teeth to support the restoration.
- They’re easy to care for and can last a lifetime. Maintaining your new teeth is as easy as taking care of your natural teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily is all it takes to ensure your new teeth last a lifetime.
- They are custom designed to your needs and specifications. Your new teeth will look exactly like your natural teeth, meaning they will blend seamlessly and be almost impossible to identify.
How do I know they’re the right solution for me?
Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option for any patient with damaged or missing teeth. The best way to find out if you’re a candidate is to schedule a consultation at our office. Your doctor will thoroughly examine your condition and health history, as well as take any necessary X-rays and 3D scans, to determine how to move forward with treatment.
In most cases, your treatment will involve one surgical appointment and one follow-up, though if your bone has atrophied in the absence of teeth, you may require bone grafting. Bone grafting can sometimes be performed at the same surgical appointment, but it sometimes requires a separate appointment before the placement of your implants. Once you are ready for placement, your doctor will administer your chosen form of anesthesia, ensure you are comfortable, and then place the titanium post into the jaw.
After several months of healing, you will return to have the abutment attached and the prosthetic crown connected.
Advanced Implant Technology
Billings Oral Surgery is proud to introduce the newest X-ray technology into our practice, specially designed for dental implant patients. The X-Guide Dynamic 3D Navigation is a guided implant system that works with our cone beam imaging to enhance its technology and provide precise placement of dental implants. A high level of implant accuracy is achieved through the X-Guide, which allows your oral surgeon greater control over the position, angle, and depth of the dental implant as it’s being placed. In addition, the X-Guide’s software makes it easy to plan the implants’ optimal position ahead of time to ensure every patient receives their best smile. Together with our experienced oral surgeons, the X-Guide is designed to help you achieve a smile that enables you to feel safe, comfortable, and confident.
What types of prostheses are available in Cody, WY?
There are a variety of restoration procedures available that utilize implant technology. A crown (single prosthesis) is used to replace one missing tooth. You can use individual crowns to replace multiple teeth in the mouth as well. In addition, you may choose a fixed bridge, which only requires one or two posts to replace several teeth at once. An over-denture is similar to a fixed bridge, but it snaps onto the posts rather than being screwed. This makes it possible for you to remove the denture yourself, rather than needing a dentist to do so.
If you’d like to learn more about your treatment options for missing teeth, please contact our office in Cody, WY. Our staff is highly trained and would be happy to answer any questions you may have. We can help you set up a consultation so you can come in and speak to one of our skilled oral surgeons yourself. We look forward to meeting you and providing you with the highest quality care.
