Dental Implants at Great Lakes Dentistry, Royal Oak

If you are missing one or more teeth, Dr. Shawn Van de Vyver, our experienced dentist, may suggest dental implants as an excellent tooth replacement method. A popular advancement in restorative dentistry, dental implants allow our team at Great Lakes Dentistry to replace a single tooth or your entire smile, based on your individual needs and goals. Dental implants are a surgical treatment that is completed over the course of many months; our entire dental team is here to guide you through each step of the treatment process.

What are dental implants?

If you are missing one or more teeth, the best replacements are dental implants. You may have heard about dental implants, but don’t really know what they are or still have questions about them.

Dental implant body abutment and crown

Dental implant body, abutment, and crown

Dental implants are placed by Dr. Shawn Van de Vyver at Great Lakes Dentistry in Royal Oak for several reasons. You may have heard of a crown, or cap, to cover and replace the part of the tooth you see when you smile, the crown. A dental implant replaces the part of the tooth that is in your jawbone, the tooth root. There are several different types of dental implants, so a comprehensive treatment plan and x-ray diagnostics are required prior to treatment.

Dental implants can replace a single tooth. This is the most common dental implant replacement.

You can basically think of a dental implant as a screw that is placed in your jaw and is cemented permanently in place. We call this part of the complete implant complex the implant body.

Fixed partial denture bridge on two implants

Fixed partial denture bridge on two implants

There are different kinds and shapes of connectors that can be placed on top of the implant body, called abutments. An implant abutment, or connector, allows a laboratory made tooth, or crown, to be cemented to the implant body.

Another way dental implants can replace missing teeth is by connecting more than one tooth to an implant body (remember, that’s the screw portion of the whole thing). If you’re missing a few teeth all in a row, Dr. Van de Vyver can place a couple implants in the area and cement multiple teeth on them.

If you know what a dental bridge is, then this is the same thing. The only difference is that instead of being cemented on natural teeth, the bridge is cemented on top of implants. An implant supported bridge is an excellent replacement for multiple missing teeth. [easy-contactform id=38 modal=”CLICK HERE to schedule a free, no-risk, hassle-free consultation with Dr. Van de Vyver.”]

dental implants support a partial denture

A Partial Denture Can Snap On To Two Implants

A different way to put multiple teeth on implants is with an implant supported partial denture. I’m sure you’ve seen a partial denture before, a horseshoe shaped piece of metal with plastic teeth and metal hooks on it? Well, instead of metal hooks that hold onto natural teeth, an implant supported partial denture has connectors on the inside that snap onto implant abutments. With the partial now snapping onto implants, it doesn’t move around when you talk and eat. An implant supported partial denture is a great alternative to a traditional partial.

Even if you’re missing all of your teeth, dental implants may still be a great treatment option for you. Two, four, or more implants can be placed along the arch of your jawbone and a full denture (sometimes patients call them “plates”) can snap into place. No more embarrassing moments having your teeth fly across the dinner table or having them fall out when you yawn. An implant supported full denture provides a superior fit and unmatched comfort for denture sufferers.

To place a dental implant, we first surgically place the implant body, made of the strongest titanium alloy, into the missing tooth space. The gums and bone need to heal right up to the implant, and that will take a few months’ time. This allows the titanium implant to become cemented in your jawbone. Once healed, we use an abutment (the connector interface between the implant body screw and the crown) and dental restoration, most commonly a crown, to complete your dental implant procedure.

There is no reason to go another day without a beautiful new smile that looks wonderful and functions properly. If you would like to see if dental implants in Royal Oak, Michigan, are right for you, we invite you to call and schedule a complimentary consultation with our office. We are excited to help restore your smile!

Call us now at (248) 434-0445   or [easy-contactform id=38 modal=”CLICK HERE to schedule a free, no-risk, hassle-free consultation with Dr. Van de Vyver.”] to see if dental implants are right for you.

To place dental implants, we first surgically implant small metal posts, often made of titanium, into your jawbone where the missing tooth was located. We then give your gums and bone a chance to heal. This is important because it allows your natural bone tissue to fuse to the metal post, creating a long-lasting bond. Once healed, we use an abutment and dental restoration, generally a dental crown, bridge, or denture, to complete your dental implant treatment. We also offer mini dental implants to help support dentures and other dental restorations.

There is no reason to go another day without a brand-new smile that looks beautiful and functions properly. If you would like to see if you are a candidate for dental implants in Royal Oak, Michigan, we invite you to call and schedule a consultation with our office. We are excited to help restore your smile!

Request an appointment now! or call us at (248) 434-0445

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Copyright © 2017 Great Lakes Dentistry | Royal Oak, MI 48073 |  All rights reserved. DISCLAIMER: This website is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide any dental or medical advice, nor provide any diagnosis of any kind. Contact your physician or dentist regarding your individual, specific conditions. Great Lakes Dentistry assumes no liability by providing this information and provides no guarantee or assurances pertaining to treatment, outcomes, or results described. All images used on this website are either free use images or copyright of Great Lakes Dentistry. Content may be used only with the expressed written consent of Great Lakes Dentistry and Shawn Van de Vyver, D.D.S.. All specialty services provided by Shawn Van de Vyver, D.D.S., a Michigan licensed general dentist. Shawn Van de Vyver, D.D.S. is not a board certified specialist in oral surgery, periodontics or orthodontics. Pre-treatment evaluation required for all procedures. Not all patients qualify for advertised treatment. 6 Month Smiles is a registered trademark and is not a substitute for comprehensive orthodontics. Advertised treatment length is average and individual treatment times may vary.