Losing a tooth can impact your confidence, your ability to eat your favorite foods, and even your overall health. You are not alone. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 69 percent of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth.
At Fisher Dental, Dr. Jake Fisher is here to help you restore the function and beauty of your smile with dental implant treatment in Omaha, NE. As a Dawson Academy dentist, Dr. Fisher is trained in bite issues connected to TMJ, jaw problems, and tooth loss.
He takes a personalized approach to restorative dentistry, so you find the right implant solution that fits your bite and feels comfortable. Our Omaha office also uses advanced implant technology that includes digital scanning, so you have a smooth treatment, whether you’re missing a single tooth or need a full set of teeth.
What are Dental Implants?
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.
The parts of a dental implant include:
- The Implant Post: This is the titanium screw that is placed into your jawbone. It acts as the new tooth root. Over time, your bone fuses with the post to create a strong, permanent foundation.
- The Abutment: This is a small connector piece that is attached to the top of the implant post. It sticks out above your gum line and holds your new tooth securely in place.
- The Restoration: This is the part you see and use every day. It’s a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture that is attached to the abutment. Dr. Fisher designs the restoration to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth so it blends in seamlessly with your smile.
These three parts work together to create a restoration that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth.
The Benefits of Dental Implants in Omaha, NE
Choosing dental implants offers many 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. Unlike bridges or dentures that may need replacement every five to ten years, implants are built to stay.
- Natural look and feel: Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. They’re anchored directly into your jawbone, so they don’t slip or click. You can smile, speak, and eat with complete confidence. Most people will never guess which tooth is your implant.
- Preserved bone health: When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in that spot begins to shrink. Implants act like natural tooth roots and stimulate the jaw bone. Replacing the tooth root prevents bone loss and helps keep your face looking full and youthful. No other tooth replacement option offers this benefit.
- Protection of adjacent teeth: Traditional bridges require grinding down the healthy teeth next to your gap to serve as anchors. Dental implants do not need this. Your surrounding teeth stay completely untouched and healthy during implant treatment. We want to preserve as much of your natural bone as possible.
- Improved oral health: Because implants stand alone like natural teeth, they’re much easier to keep clean. You can brush and floss between them just like you do with your other teeth. This makes it easier to prevent gum disease and decay around your implant.
- Enhanced comfort: Removable dentures can rub against your gums and cause sore spots. Implants become part of you. They are fixed in place and feel completely natural. Once they heal, you’ll likely forget you even have them.
- Improved speech: Poorly fitting dentures can slip when you talk, leading to slurred speech or embarrassing clicking sounds. Implant posts stay firmly in place. You can speak clearly and confidently without worrying about your teeth moving.
- Easier eating: Dentures can make it hard to chew tough or sticky foods. Many denture wearers simply avoid foods they love. Dental implants restore your full chewing power. You can bite into an apple, enjoy a steak, and eat all your favorite foods without worry.
Types of Dental Implants
We offer a range of dental implant restorations 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. Single-tooth implants look and function like natural teeth and don’t affect adjacent teeth the way traditional bridges can.
The procedure involves placing the implant post into your jawbone. It needs time to fuse with the bone over several months, then we attach the abutment and crown. The result is a restoration that’s virtually indistinguishable from your teeth.
Multiple Implants
Dr. Fisher recommends multiple dental implants for patients missing several teeth in different areas of the mouth. Each implant functions independently, just like single tooth implants. They provide 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.
We can place multiple implants during the same surgical procedure to minimize your overall treatment time. After the healing period, we attach custom crowns to each implant and complete your smile restoration.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge is an excellent option when you have several missing teeth in a row. Implant bridges are anchored by dental implants placed in the jawbone, so they don’t rely on adjacent teeth for support. 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 how many teeth are missing, then attaching a custom-made bridge to the implants.
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.
The benefits of All-on-Four implants include:
- 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 in our Omaha, NE, dental office can help ease any concerns you might have about the procedure. We will 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. This connector piece holds your new tooth or teeth to the implant. After your gums heal around the abutment, 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.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read answers to common questions about dental implant treatment in Omaha, NE.
How long do dental implants last?
With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. The titanium implant post is designed to be permanent. The crown on top may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear and tear. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits will help your implant last as long as possible.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most adults who are missing one or more teeth are candidates for dental implants. However, a few key factors will determine if implants are right for you.
- Healthy gums. Your gums need to be free of active disease. We will treat gum disease before placing implants.
- Enough jawbone. Implants need a strong foundation. If you have bone loss, we may be able to perform a bone graft to build it up.
- Good overall health. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes can affect healing. We will review your medical history and make sure implants are safe for you.
- Commitment to care. Implants require daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, just like natural teeth.
Are dental implants affordable?
Our office can make the cost of dental implants more affordable. During your consultation, we will provide a clear, detailed estimate so there are no surprises.
Our office offers flexible payment options and can help you understand your insurance benefits. We also accept CareCredit and other financing options to help you get the care you need.
How do I care for my dental implant?
You care for a dental implant just like your natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit Dr. Fisher for regular check-ups and cleanings. We may recommend a water flosser or interdental brush so you can easily clean between your tooth implants.
What is the typical timeline for the implant process?
Your implant timeline can vary from several months to up to two years from start to finish. The process involves implant placement surgery, a healing period for the bone to fuse, and finally the placement of the abutment and custom restoration. Some patients can get a temporary restoration on the same day as the surgery.
What is the success rate for dental implants?
Dental implants have a success rate of over 95%. With proper care and regular dental visits, your implant can serve you well for decades. Dr. Fisher’s advanced training from the Dawson Academy and his GPR at UNMC ensure you receive the highest quality care for a successful outcome.
Schedule Your Implant Consultation Today
Take the first step toward a complete, confident smile with dental implants at Fisher Dental in Omaha, NE. 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 restore the form and function of your smile.