Dental Implants in Lincoln, NE

Are you considering dental implants in Lincoln, NE?

You're not alone; tooth loss affects millions of Americans every year.

Tooth loss affects how you bite, chew, speak, and interact with others. Fortunately, dental implants are a reliable, natural-looking, and feeling solution that replaces a tooth above the gumline and at the root! 

If you want to know more about dental implants, continue reading and then contact Antelope Creek Family Dentistry to learn more.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial, permanent replacements for the roots of a lost tooth. Implants are excellent for restoring the form and function of a person's bite. Dental implants consist of a titanium post and an abutment upon which an artificial tooth (often a dental crown) is secured. 

Unlike other solutions like dentures or bridges, implants are incredibly long-lasting and address tooth loss in the jawbone by replacing the bone-stimulating root of a natural tooth. In this way, they're virtually identical to natural teeth.If your jawbone isn’t dense enough for dental implant surgery, bone grafting is an option.

Dental implants vary from patient to patient. Our Lincoln, NE dental offices provide solutions for all of the following implant dentistry needs:

• Single-tooth
• Anterior teeth replacement
• Posterior teeth replacement
• Full upper or lower arch replacement

From initial consultation to full recovery, the dental implant process takes several months to complete. Thus, we do not place implants at Antelope Creek Family Dentistry but will happily refer you to an experienced and skillful oral surgeon or periodontist in the area.

We provide top-of-the-line, customized prosthetics like dental crowns,implant-supported dentures, and bridges for more significant tooth loss. No matter your preference, you can count on us for a custom replacement that's shaded and shaped to provide the most natural look possible! 

The Process for Getting Dental Implants

The implant process begins with a consultation with an implant dentist to ensure that implants are an appropriate solution for you. During this consultation, we will answer your questions and discuss your goals, timeframe, and budget.

If dental implants are right for you, we will get the process underway!

Initially, the titanium post is surgically implanted into the empty "socket" in the jawbone. Once an implant is, well, implanted, the healing process begins. This usually takes about three to six months, during which the implant fuses permanently to the jawbone in a process called osseointegration.

For your comfort and convenience, we provide you with a temporary crown or prosthetic until your implant is fully healed and can support a permanent crown. 

For several days after an implant procedure, you may experience mild pain and swelling. This mild discomfort is normal, should not last long, and is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

After healing, an abutment is placed on the implant to serve as a base for your new tooth. At this point, we will take an impression from which to create a customized crown. When your permanent crown or prosthetic is ready, at a final appointment, we will secure it to the abutment and complete your smile!

State-of-the-Art Implant Technology

The dentists at Antelope Creek Family Dentistry use the trusted, state-of-the-art Dental Designs dental lab to fabricate our top-quality restorations. Dental Designs only uses materials approved by the American Dental Association and provides on-site consultations for more complex cases.

Dental implants restore smile appearance and reestablish bite function, giving you more dietary choices and promoting better oral health.

When teeth are missing, you risk bone loss in the jaw. Dental implant posts can encourage jawbone health and guard against deterioration. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement technology to offer this benefit.

Additionally, dental implants prevent teeth from migrating toward openings in the smile. When this shifting happens, you risk tooth wear and additional tooth loss in the future.

Dental implants are also lasting compared with other tooth replacement options—known to last for decades and even for life. So, even if you have to replace your crown in the future, your implant post should still be intact.

Taking Care of Your Tooth Implants

Dental implants are so like natural teeth that they even mimic them in care. As with natural teeth, you should:

• Brush and floss your teeth and implants at least twice daily.
• Visit your dentist twice yearly for checkups and professional teeth cleanings.
• Don’t chew on ice or other hard objects or use your teeth as tools to open packages.
• Talk to your dentist if you suspect you have bruxism (grinding and clenching your teeth at night)
• Talk to your dentist if you participate in sports that pose a risk to your face or mouth.
• Consider quitting smoking and tobacco use in all forms.

The idea is to preserve your gum health to prevent further tooth loss or implant failure. One culprit in implant failure is gum disease, a preventable condition.

Gum disease is a series of infections throughout the periodontal ligaments that keep your teeth locked into the jawbone. Avoiding periodontal disease or treating it if it does occur increases the longevity of your implants. However, periodontal disease is only treatable and not reversible, so regular dental care is crucial whether you have implants or not!

Missing teeth can detract from your smile’s appearance and your self-confidence. At Antelope Creek Family Dentistry, we can help you restore your smile and your self-esteem! Allow one of our skilled and experienced dentists and a trusted local periodontist or oral surgeon to help redesign the smile of your dreams with dental implants.

So, if you’re ready to restore your smile, contact your nearest Lincoln, NE, dentist office today.  And don’t forget to ask about our exclusive Savings Plan! Call today!