Dental Implants

Dental implants are a very reliable source for effective tooth replacement. Whether you have lost one tooth or many, implants can provide a permanent solution that looks and functions naturally.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the best tooth replacement options available. They are made of titanium metal and placed below the gumline. During the months following the placement of implants, the bone surrounding the implants grows and holds the implants in place. This lets the implants act as a replacement for the root structure of the missing tooth. After that, an artificial tooth is placed on the implant, connected by a small metal piece (also known as an abutment).

A person suffering from tooth loss will experience many challenges. The most obvious of these challenges are difficulties when chewing and speaking clearly. When tooth loss is left untreated, it can result in very serious problems like tooth shifts, jawbone deterioration, facial structure loss, and bite imbalances. These issues usually develop over time when there is no root system to maintain bone health and alignment. Dental implants provide an artificial root system to maintain order and keep the remaining teeth in line. They can not only help a patient overcome short-term challenges; they can also prevent long-term problems linked to tooth loss.

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illustration of dental implant being place in mouth

Implant Services

Our implant services include:

  • Sinus Lift Augmentation: Often the sinuses will enlarge following the loss of the upper back teeth. This can preclude the placement of dental implants in the upper back areas of the mouth since the sinus is an air-filled space and dental implants need to be surrounded by solid bone. A sinus lift augmentation/graft is a surgical procedure that restores the sinus cavity to its original size and replaces the bone that has been lost as a result of the enlarged sinus.
  • Autogenous Bone Grafting: Occasionally, the ideal areas for dental implants do not have sufficient bone quantity to support the implants. In these cases, it is often necessary to “borrow” bone from another area of your mouth and graft it into the deficient area.
  • Computer-Enhanced Treatment Planning: We have special software on our computer that allows us to evaluate your dental CT scan in three dimensions for bone quality, bone quantity, and bone location, enabling the best possible placement of your dental implants.
  • Implant Maintenance: Once your dental implant restoration is completed, it is important to keep the area clean and infection-free. Dental implants can accumulate plaque and tartar just as teeth can. Whether you have just one tooth replaced by an implant or several, a professional cleaning schedule will be necessary to keep your implants healthy.

dental implants laying on a blue background

  • Why do I need to replace my back teeth?

    If you choose not to replace your back teeth, it will often lead to the following issues:

    • Difficulty chewing food
    • Shifting teeth and improper bite
    • Loss of jaw bone
    • More stress on front teeth leading to uneven wear and risk for fracture
  • What are dental implants made from?

    All of the dental implants used by our providers are state-of-the-art products. Our consult process includes a digital scan of your mouth, a clinical review by the doctor, and a CT scan of the jaw to determine which dental implant option will best suit your needs. We will always consult with you directly to review your options.

  • What home care instructions do you give to your patients?

    Since each one of our patient's care is unique, we give each patient a comprehensive home care plan as well as a follow-up plan with our office to make the post-procedure transition seamless.

  • What are the advantages of dental implants compared to other tooth replacement options?

    Dental implants offer several advantages compared to other tooth replacement options, such as dentures or dental bridges. These include improved stability and durability, a more natural appearance and feel, preservation of adjacent teeth, and maintenance of jawbone density. Dental implants also do not require modification of adjacent teeth, as is often necessary with dental bridges.

  • How long does it take to get dental implants?

    The process of getting dental implants typically requires multiple appointments over several months. After the initial consultation and treatment planning, the implant placement surgery is performed, followed by a healing period of several months during which the implants fuse with the jawbone (a process called osseointegration). Once the implants have healed, the final restorations (such as crowns or bridges) can be attached to the implants, completing the process.

  • How long do dental implants last?

    Dental implants are designed to be a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last for decades or even a lifetime. It's important to practice good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, to help ensure the longevity of your implants.

More Questions?

If you have more questions about dental implants, please contact one of our Missouri offices and we will be happy to discuss further! If you're ready to book your appointment, head over to our appointment portal using the button below.

Kansas City Smiles & Co at Independence

3820 South Whitney Ave
Independence, MO 64055
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Hours

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: By Appointment

Phone

816-373-7374

Email Address

[email protected]

Kansas City Smiles & Co at Blue Springs

1400 South Outer Road
Blue Springs, MO 64015
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Hours

Monday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: Closed

Phone

816-229-4010

Email Address

[email protected]