Dental Implants in Bay City, MI

Dental implants have really changed the face of restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Where once, there were few options aside from dentures to give patients a beautiful smile after dental extractions, implants have now given us the tools to give patients a more permanent solution. Dental implants are specially designed metal posts that are surgically implanted into the jaw bone below the gum line. Once healed, they allow a dentist to attach individual teeth, bridgework, or even dentures. You might say these are the high-tech version of the roots of your teeth and that they perform the same function, which is anchoring manufactured teeth in place. If you are seeking dental implants in Bay City, MI, contact Bay City Dental Center today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Matthew Ward.

Dental implants don't just give you a beautiful new smile — they have a wide number of benefits, including:

• Achieving a younger, more youthful appearance
• Creating a stronger bite
• Allowing you to eat the foods you love
• Restoring natural talking and eating
• Eliminating the embarrassment of dentures falling out
• Restoring the natural shape of your face
• Enhancing overall comfort
• Supporting better oral health
• Being easier to maintain than dentures
• Improving your smile and the overall look of your face

Implant-supported restorations can take the place of any number of damaged teeth, from a single tooth to several teeth. You could be a good candidate for dental implants if you suffer from missing teeth, need extractions, or are not content with your existing replacement. To be successful, implants require enough jawbone support, healthy gum tissues, and a reliable oral environment. Many patients could need extra services before they are considered great candidates. Dental implants may not be ideal when you are an expecting mother, smoke cigarettes, or have particular health issues. During your visit, Dr. Ward can help you determine if implant-supported restorations are good for you.

In the years since dental implants were first introduced, they have become the basis of multiple types of treatment for many different situations. These are some of the options of dental implants that are available at Bay City Dental Center.

• All-on-4: All-on-4 is a treatment that supports a full-arch rehabilitation with just four implants. Two are placed in the front of the jaw, and two at the back. While the front implants are installed straight, the rear implants are fixed at about 45 degrees, ensuring better anchoring. Provided that the patient’s jaw bone meets the required criteria, these implants can be fitted with a provisional bridge as soon as they are installed, providing a temporary solution while the final prosthetic is manufactured.
• All-on-6: All-on-6 implants can provide an immediate solution to suitable patients. In this treatment, a full arch restoration is completed with three implants on one side and three on the other, supporting all of the bridgework between and beyond. This type of implant is best suited to patients with good jaw integrity and is usually not recommended for smokers or diabetics.
• Permanent Implants: Permanent implants are a dental option for teeth that are too damaged for repair or are missing entirely. Permanent dental implants require a metal post that is implanted into the jawbone and a prosthetic tooth that is fixed to the post. They do require adequate bone density to be a suitable treatment option, but if they are, they are a great low maintenance, permanent, and aesthetically pleasing option. For permanent dental implants in Michigan, we welcome you to contact us for more information.
• Dentures: Dentures with implants are a permanent solution for people who either don’t have any teeth right now or are planning to have their teeth extracted. In both of these cases, patients must have sufficient bone density to support the implants. Unlike traditional dentures, which are loose and unattached in the mouth, dentures with implants are attached to implants fixed to the jaw, which makes them a much more permanent solution.
• Sinus Lift: While most types of dental implants require minimum bone density in order to work, a sinus lift can still make dental implants possible. This procedure involves adding bone to the upper jaw in an area called the maxillary sinus. It’s also known as bone augmentation, and when done correctly and given adequate time to heal, this procedure can give people who might otherwise not be suitable candidates for dental implants the option to use this type of treatment.

Men and women receiving a dental implant may experience minor puffiness, bruising, and pain close to the treated region. Physician-provided or nonprescription pain relievers and ice packs can help lessen post-operation discomfort. Once the implant has fused with the bone tissue and the custom restoration is positioned, it's vital to follow a regular dental cleaning regimen with effective tooth brushing and flossing practices. When patients visit Bay City Dental Center for biannual dental visits, Dr. Ward will employ advanced dental tools to disinfect their dental implants and monitor the health of their tooth replacements.

Are dental implants painful?
Dental implants are a popular solution for missing teeth, but some patients are nervous that the process is painful. Our patients report very little discomfort during the process due to our use of anesthesia.

Do dental implants require special care?
No, you can care for your implants like natural teeth. For the first few weeks after surgery, you should be especially careful to avoid doing anything that might damage a healing implant. If you maintain good dental hygiene, implants have been known to last decades without showing signs of wear or decay.

What happens if I crack or chip my dental implant?
Dental implants are very strong and durable, so it's unlikely that they will break unless it was due to serious trauma. If an implant is damaged, it should be repaired immediately by Dr. Ward to prevent the risk of additional damage. It's best to treat your implants with great care and avoid biting down on hard objects.

What is the success rate of dental implants?
Dental implants have a high success rate. The skilled team at Bay City Dental Center has extensive experience in dental implant procedures, further improving the likelihood of a successful outcome. Patient-specific factors like oral hygiene and overall health also contribute to the success rate.

How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants from Bay City Dental Center are designed to be a long-term solution for missing teeth. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for many years, often for a lifetime. It's crucial to follow aftercare guidelines and regular check-ups to ensure their longevity.

How much do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants can vary depending on several factors, including the number of implants needed and any preparatory procedures. Bay City Dental Center offers various financing options to make the treatment more affordable. A consultation will provide you with a detailed cost breakdown tailored to your needs.

Because of the progress made in contemporary dental services, there are a number of methods to take on the loss of teeth with the natural appearance and function of oral implants. Dr. Ward is thrilled to provide implant-supported crown, bridge, and denture alternatives as long-term tooth replacements to Bay City, MI individuals. To learn about your possibilities for replacing badly compromised or missing teeth, plan your appointment at Bay City Dental Center.