Welcome to Fisher Dental’s comprehensive guide to dental implants. If you’re missing one or more teeth, dental implants offer a revolutionary solution that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth. Dr. Jake Fisher and his experienced team in Omaha, NE, are dedicated to restoring your smile with the most advanced dental implant technology available today.
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, typically made from biocompatible titanium, that are surgically placed into your jawbone. These implants provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth designed to match your natural teeth. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, dental implants don’t slip or click when you talk, laugh, or eat. They also help preserve your facial structure by preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
At Fisher Dental, we believe everyone deserves to smile with confidence. Our personalized approach ensures you receive the right implant solution for your specific needs, whether you’re missing a single tooth or need a full set of teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Choosing dental implants offers numerous advantages over traditional tooth replacement options. Here’s why dental implants are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth:
- Long-lasting solution: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a wise investment for your oral health.
- Natural look and feel: Implants are designed to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth, so you can smile, speak, and eat with confidence.
- Preserved bone health: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that typically occurs after tooth loss.
- Protection of adjacent teeth: Unlike traditional bridges, dental implants don’t require grinding down neighboring teeth for support.
- Improved oral health: Dental implants allow easier access between teeth for brushing and flossing, improving overall oral hygiene.
- Enhanced comfort: Because implants become part of you, they eliminate the discomfort often associated with removable dentures.
- Improved speech: Poorly fitting dentures can cause slurred speech or slipping when talking. Implants allow you to speak without worry.
- Easier eating: Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence.
- Boosted self-esteem: Dental implants can restore your smile and help you feel better about yourself.
Types of Dental Implants
At Fisher Dental in Omaha, we offer various dental implant solutions tailored to your specific needs. Dr. Jake Fisher will thoroughly evaluate your oral health, bone density, and personal goals to recommend the most appropriate implant option for you. Our advanced technology and Dr. Fisher’s expertise ensure precise placement and natural-looking results, regardless of the type of implant you need.
Single Tooth Implants
If you’re missing just one tooth, a single tooth implant is an ideal solution. This option consists of three parts: the implant post that replaces the root of your missing tooth, an abutment that connects the implant to the crown, and a custom-made crown that matches your surrounding teeth. Single tooth implants look and function like natural teeth, and they don’t impact the health of adjacent teeth like traditional bridges do.
The procedure involves placing the implant post into your jawbone, allowing it to fuse with the bone over several months, and then attaching the abutment and crown. The result is a restoration that’s virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth in both appearance and function.
Multiple Implants
For patients missing several teeth in different areas of the mouth, multiple individual implants can be placed. Each implant functions independently, just like single tooth implants, providing a natural-looking and feeling solution for multiple missing teeth. This approach preserves more of your natural bone structure compared to traditional bridges or partial dentures.
Multiple implants can be placed during the same surgical procedure, minimizing your overall treatment time. After the healing period, custom crowns are attached to each implant, completing your smile restoration.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge is an excellent option when you have several missing teeth in a row. Unlike traditional bridges that rely on adjacent teeth for support, implant-supported bridges are anchored by dental implants placed in the jawbone. This provides superior stability and prevents the bone loss that typically occurs with traditional bridges.
The procedure involves placing two or more implants, depending on the number of missing teeth, and then attaching a custom-made bridge to the implants. This solution not only looks natural but also functions like your own teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
All-on-Four Implants
The All-on-Four technique is a revolutionary approach for patients who have lost all or most of their teeth in one or both arches. This innovative solution uses just four strategically placed implants to support an entire arch of teeth. The implants are placed at specific angles to maximize contact with the bone and provide optimal support for the full-arch prosthesis.
All-on-Four implants offer numerous advantages, including:
- Fewer implants needed compared to traditional approaches
- Often eliminates the need for bone grafting
- Can typically be completed in one day (sometimes called “Teeth in a Day”)
- Provides immediate function and improved aesthetics
- Preserves bone and prevents further deterioration
- More comfortable and stable than traditional dentures
What to Expect During the Dental Implant Process
Understanding the dental implant process can help ease any concerns you might have about the procedure. At Fisher Dental, we guide you through each step to ensure your comfort and confidence throughout your treatment journey.
Initial Consultation
Your implant journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Jake Fisher. During this visit, we’ll:
- Evaluate your oral health and medical history
- Take digital X-rays and 3D scans to assess your bone structure
- Discuss your goals and expectations
- Determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants
- Develop a personalized treatment plan
- Answer all your questions about the procedure, timeline, and costs
Pre-Implant Preparation
Before placing your implants, we may need to address any underlying oral health issues, such as gum disease or decay in remaining teeth. Some patients may require bone grafting or sinus lifts to ensure there’s enough bone to support the implants. These preparatory procedures help ensure the long-term success of your implants.
Implant Placement Surgery
The implant placement procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, with sedation options available for your comfort. Dr. Fisher will make a small incision in your gum to expose the bone, create a space for the implant, and then precisely place the titanium post into your jawbone. The gum is then sutured closed over the implant.
Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure, often comparing it to a tooth extraction. Any post-operative pain can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
Healing and Osseointegration
After placement, your implants need time to integrate with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This typically takes 3-6 months, during which the titanium post fuses with your bone, creating a strong foundation for your replacement teeth. During this healing period, you may wear a temporary restoration to maintain aesthetics and function.
Abutment Placement and Final Restoration
Once osseointegration is complete, we’ll place an abutment on each implant – a small connector that will hold your new tooth or teeth. After your gums heal around the abutment (usually within a couple of weeks), we’ll take impressions of your mouth to create your custom crown, bridge, or denture. When your final restoration is ready, we’ll attach it to the abutments, completing your new smile.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Take the first step toward a complete, confident smile with dental implants at Fisher Dental in Omaha, NE. Dr. Jake Fisher and our caring team are committed to providing you with the highest quality implant care in a comfortable, state-of-the-art environment.
Whether you’re missing one tooth or need a full-mouth restoration, we’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals. Don’t let missing teeth affect your quality of life any longer – discover how dental implants can restore your smile and confidence.
Contact our office today at 402-526-5091 to schedule your consultation, or use our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to helping you achieve the beautiful, functional smile you deserve.