Upgrade to a Healthy and Confident Smile
Missing or failing teeth don’t just negatively impact the aesthetics of a smile; they also impact overall oral function. If left unaddressed, this can lead to issues like bone deterioration. Dental implants are an ingenious solution to replace teeth that preserve facial structure, restore full function, and give patients a healthy and confident smile.
No two patients are the same. Shawn B. Davis, DMD, Oral & Facial Surgery Institute in St. George, UT offers dental implants, the best option to replace missing or failing teeth. Dr. Davis specializes in helping patients achieve their best smile, often through replacing teeth. Together with his talented and welcoming staff, he is able to deliver life-changing results that don’t just feel good—they look good too. If you’re ready to take the first step toward optimal oral health by restoring a lost tooth, contact our office in St. George to schedule a consultation.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants use a natural-looking artificial tooth and post to replace missing teeth.
Typically composed of titanium, dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone to fuse with the bone and create an anchor for an artificial tooth. They are a long-lasting solution that eliminates the hassle associated with traditional dentures while restoring full dental function.
Benefits
Dental implants play a crucial role in preserving your facial structure by preventing jaw bone loss. By replacing the entire tooth structure, implants stimulate the jaw bone, ensuring its integrity and preventing the onset of premature aging.
With proper oral care, dental implants can last a lifetime. They fuse securely with the jaw bone, offering a stable foundation for replacement teeth. Unlike alternatives like dentures or bridges, implants provide a durable solution without the need for frequent adjustments or replacements.
Dental implants contribute to oral health by preventing the shifting of adjacent teeth. Acting as natural tooth roots, implants keep surrounding teeth in their correct positions, preserving dental alignment and reducing the risk of issues like misalignment or overcrowding.
Implants feel and function like natural teeth, offering optimal comfort and stability. Unlike removable dentures, which may shift or cause discomfort, implants are firmly anchored in the jaw bone, allowing for normal chewing and speaking activities without any significant discomfort.
Dental implants can be placed in various locations within the mouth, making them adaptable to individual needs. Whether replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth, implants can be tailored to provide a seamless, functional smile that looks and feels natural.
By restoring your smile, dental implants can significantly enhance your self-confidence. With implants, you regain the ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently, knowing that your teeth are securely in place and indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Types of Dental Implants
At Shawn B. Davis, DMD, Oral & Facial Surgery Institute, you’ll find access to a variety of dental implant options designed to improve and restore your smile. Dr. Davis and his team will work with you to determine which implant best fits your needs.
- Single Dental Implants: Used to replace a single missing tooth, single implants consist of an implant post, an abutment, and a custom-made crown. They offer a durable and natural-looking replacement, restoring both function and aesthetics.
- Multiple Dental Implants: Designed to replace several missing teeth, multiple implants can support dental bridges or partial dentures. They provide stability and support, improving chewing ability and preventing further jaw bone loss.
- Full-Arch Restoration: Ideal for patients missing all teeth in one or both jaws, full-arch restoration uses strategically placed implants to support a fixed prosthetic arch. This permanent solution eliminates the need for removable dentures, offering comfort and functionality.
- Zygomatic Dental Implants: Reserved for patients with severe jaw bone loss, zygomatic implants are anchored in the cheekbone instead of the jaw bone. This innovative technique enables those with significant bone loss to benefit from dental implants and regain oral function.
- Zirconia Dental Implants: Made of biocompatible zirconia ceramic, these implants offer excellent aesthetics and are a metal-free alternative to traditional titanium implants. Suitable for single or multiple tooth replacement, zirconia implants provide a natural and durable result.
Ceramic dental implants are a type of dental implant made from zirconia, a strong and biocompatible ceramic material. Unlike traditional titanium implants, ceramic implants are metal-free, making them an excellent choice for patients with metal sensitivities or allergies. They are known for their natural-looking appearance, which can blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. Additionally, ceramic implants are highly resistant to corrosion and do not conduct heat or electricity, providing added comfort and safety for patients. These implants offer a durable and aesthetic solution for tooth replacement, with a growing popularity among those seeking a holistic approach to dental care.
Active dental implants are an emerging technology in dentistry that incorporate electronic components to provide additional functions beyond traditional dental implants. These advanced implants can monitor oral health, deliver therapeutic interventions, or enhance integration with the jawbone. Examples include implants with sensors that track bone healing and health, or implants with built-in drug delivery systems to combat infection. By actively engaging with the surrounding biological environment, active dental implants aim to improve the success rates of dental procedures, offer real-time health monitoring, and provide personalized dental care solutions.
Dental Implant Surgery
At Shawn B. Davis, DMD, Oral & Facial Surgery Institute in St. George, UT, we prioritize your comfort and convenience throughout your dental implant journey. Our team, led by Dr. Davis, is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process with expertise and care.
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation, where Dr. Davis will assess your oral health, jaw bone density, and discuss treatment options. If necessary, 3D scans may be taken to further evaluate your condition.
Should you choose to proceed with dental implant placement, we will provide detailed pre-surgery instructions. This may include dietary restrictions and arrangements for transportation on the day of your procedure.
During your surgery, your chosen anesthesia, determined during your consultation, will ensure your comfort. Dr. Davis will then make a small incision in your gum tissue to access the jawbone and carefully place the implant post, acting as an artificial tooth root.
Following the surgery, you may receive a healing cap to protect the implant during the healing phase, known as osseointegration. Once fully integrated, you will visit your general dentist to have the final crown attached, custom-made to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Post-surgery, we will provide detailed care instructions, including oral hygiene practices and dietary recommendations. Any discomfort or swelling can typically be managed with over-the-counter medication and following our guidance. Should you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, our team is here to support you.
Types of Anesthesia
Depending on your procedure, you will receive one of the following forms of anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
Cost of Dental Implants
Cost considerations for dental implants vary based on factors such as:
- Case complexity.
- Insurance coverage.
- Number of implants needed.
We offer cost estimates during consultations and provide various payment methods and financing options to ensure accessibility to our services.
Dental Implants in St. George, UT
If you're looking for dental implants in St. George, UT, Shawn B. Davis, DMD, Oral & Facial Surgery Institute is your trusted partner. Contact us to schedule your consultation with Dr. Davis, and let us help you enhance your smile and overall oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a flipper tooth and a dental implant?
Flipper teeth and dental implants serve different purposes in tooth replacement. A flipper tooth is a temporary, removable denture typically made of acrylic. It acts as a short-term solution while awaiting a permanent replacement like a dental implant. Unlike implants, flippers are less durable and stable. Dental implants, in contrast, are long-term replacements surgically implanted into the jawbone, offering both functional and aesthetic resemblance to natural teeth.
2. Can you get gum disease with dental implants?
While dental implants themselves are not susceptible to gum disease, the surrounding gum tissue is still at risk. Periodontal disease can develop around dental implants if proper oral hygiene is not maintained. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are essential to prevent gum disease and ensure the longevity of dental implants.
3. What should I not do after my dental implant surgery?
After dental implant surgery, adhering to postoperative instructions is crucial for successful healing. Avoiding hot foods and beverages, adhering to dietary restrictions, limiting physical exertion, and refraining from vigorous mouth rinsing are essential precautions. Additionally, refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery while under the influence of prescribed pain medication, particularly opioids.
4. How much do dental implants cost in St. George, UT?
The cost of dental implants in St George, UT, varies based on individual factors such as case complexity, the number of implants required, chosen anesthesia, and insurance coverage. To obtain an accurate cost estimate tailored to your specific needs, scheduling a consultation at our practice is recommended. We can assess your situation and provide transparent pricing information to help you make informed decisions about your dental health.
Providing Excellent Oral Surgery in St. George
Outstanding outcomes and excellent care. That's our goal at Oral & Facial Surgery. At our office in St. George, we're able to craft beautiful smiles and serve our community. If you're looking for an Shawn B. Davis, DMD, Oral & Facial Surgery Institute that exceeds expectations, contact our office to learn more about how we can help you achieve optimal oral health.