Missing teeth can affect how comfortably you eat, how clearly you speak, and how confident you feel about your smile. The open spaces may also affect your bite and the stability of nearby teeth.
At Riverton Heights Dental Care, Dr. Cory Fabrizio, DMD provides personalized dental implant treatment plans for patients in Riverton, Utah. Dental implants can support individual crowns, bridges, or dentures based on the number and location of missing teeth.
Our team will evaluate your gums, jawbone, bite, medical history, and tooth-replacement goals to determine whether implant treatment may be appropriate.
Schedule an evaluation to learn how dental implants could restore your smile.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small post placed in the jawbone to replace the root portion of a missing tooth. Most dental implants are made from titanium or another biocompatible material selected for use within the body.
After placement, the surrounding bone gradually heals around the implant. Once the implant has reached adequate stability, an abutment connects it to a custom crown, bridge, or denture.
The implant post itself is not the visible replacement tooth. It serves as the foundation beneath the gumline, while the restoration above it is designed to restore appearance and chewing function.
What Can Dental Implants Replace?
Dental implants can support several types of restorations. The recommended design depends on how many teeth are missing, where the spaces are located, and how much healthy bone is available.
Dental implants may be used to support:
- A crown replacing one missing tooth
- Individual crowns replacing teeth in different areas
- A bridge replacing multiple adjacent teeth
- A restoration in the front of the mouth
- A restoration exposed to back-tooth chewing forces
- A partial-arch tooth replacement
- A complete upper-arch restoration
- A complete lower-arch restoration
- A removable or fixed implant-supported denture
Implant treatment may involve several stages. Some patients require an extraction, bone grafting, gum treatment, or additional healing before an implant can be placed or restored.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
You may be a candidate for dental implants if you have one or more missing teeth and want a stable replacement supported by the jawbone. Candidacy depends on your oral health, general health, available bone, and ability to maintain the restoration.
Your dentist will consider:
- The number and location of missing teeth
- The height and width of available jawbone
- The health of your gums
- Your overall health and medical history
- Medications that may affect treatment or healing
- Tobacco or nicotine use
- Tooth-grinding or clenching habits
- Your daily oral hygiene
- Your treatment goals and expectations
Patients with bone loss or gum disease are not automatically excluded from implant treatment. Additional procedures may be recommended to create a healthier and more stable treatment site.
Dental implants also require a healing period and continued maintenance. Your dentist will explain the expected sequence so you can decide whether the process fits your needs.
Your Dental Implant Consultation
Your consultation begins with a discussion of your missing teeth, current discomfort, previous dental treatment, and goals for your smile. Your dentist will also ask about your health history and medications.
A detailed examination helps determine whether an implant can be placed safely and how the final replacement tooth should fit with your bite. The findings are used to create a personalized treatment sequence.
Your Evaluation May Include:
- Reviewing your dental and medical history
- Examining your teeth and gums
- Taking dental X-rays or other appropriate images
- Measuring the available jawbone
- Evaluating the proposed implant location
- Checking your bite and surrounding teeth
- Comparing implant and non-implant options
Tell your dentist about all medications, medical conditions, previous surgeries, tobacco use, and problems with healing. This information is important when evaluating implant treatment.
What to Expect During Implant Treatment
Dental implant treatment usually occurs in stages. The overall timeline varies according to the location of the missing tooth, bone quality, healing, and any preparatory treatment that may be necessary.
Preparing the Implant Site
The treatment area is examined and planned using appropriate dental imaging. A damaged tooth may need to be removed, and some patients may require bone grafting or other preparatory care before implant placement.
Placing and Healing the Implant
The implant post is surgically positioned in the jawbone. Local anesthesia is used during placement, and additional comfort options may be discussed when appropriate.
Attaching the Final Restoration
Once healing is complete, an abutment is connected to the implant. A custom crown, bridge, or denture is then designed and attached to restore the missing tooth or teeth.
Your bite and the fit of the restoration will be checked. Follow-up appointments allow the team to monitor the implant, surrounding gums, and final prosthesis.
Dental Implants Compared With Traditional Bridges
An implant-supported crown and a traditional dental bridge can both replace a missing tooth, but they receive support in different ways. Your dentist can help you compare the procedures, timelines, maintenance needs, and condition of nearby teeth.
Dental Implants
- Receive support from an implant placed in the jawbone
- Do not require crowns on adjacent teeth for a single-tooth replacement
- Can support crowns, bridges, or dentures
- Require a surgical procedure and healing period
- Depend on healthy gums, adequate bone, and ongoing maintenance
Traditional Dental Bridges
- Receive support from neighboring teeth
- Do not require implant placement
- Can replace one or more adjacent missing teeth
- Usually require preparation of the supporting teeth
- Require careful cleaning around and beneath the bridge
The appropriate option depends on the missing space, neighboring teeth, bone support, health history, treatment timeline, and personal preferences.
Dental Implant and Tooth-Replacement Options
Dental implant treatment can be adapted to different patterns of tooth loss. Non-implant options may also be appropriate depending on your oral health, preferences, and budget.
Single-Tooth Implant Crown
A single implant can support a custom crown without requiring the neighboring teeth to serve as anchors. The final crown is shaped to coordinate with the surrounding teeth.
Implant-Supported Bridge
An implant-supported bridge can replace several adjacent missing teeth. The bridge receives support from strategically positioned implants rather than requiring one implant for every missing tooth.
Implant-Supported Denture
Implants may be used to improve the support and stability of a full or partial denture. The restoration may be removable or fixed depending on its design.
Traditional Dental Bridge
A dental bridge offers a fixed alternative that uses nearby teeth for support. It may be considered when implant treatment is not preferred or appropriate.
Full or Partial Dentures
Full and partial dentures provide removable options for replacing several teeth or a complete arch. They do not require an implant for every missing tooth.
Recovery and Dental Implant Care
Tenderness, swelling, minor bleeding, or bruising may occur after implant placement. Follow the instructions provided by your dental team regarding eating, cleaning the area, medications, and activity.
During recovery:
- Keep the treatment area clean as instructed
- Eat foods recommended for the healing stage
- Avoid disturbing the implant site
- Take prescribed or recommended medications as directed
- Avoid tobacco and nicotine products
- Attend all scheduled follow-up visits
The implant should not be placed under excessive pressure while the surrounding bone and gum tissue heal. Your dentist will explain when and how you can resume normal chewing in the treated area.
Caring for the Final Restoration
Dental implants cannot develop cavities, but the gum tissue and bone surrounding them can become inflamed or infected. Daily cleaning remains essential.
Contact the office if you notice:
- Persistent or increasing pain
- Swelling that worsens instead of improving
- Bleeding or drainage around the implant
- Gum recession near the restoration
- A loose implant crown, bridge, or denture
- A change in the way your teeth meet
Regular examinations allow the dentist to monitor the implant, restoration, gums, bone, and bite.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of dental implant treatment depends on the number of implants, the type of final restoration, the location of the missing teeth, and the condition of the treatment area.
Extractions, bone grafting, dental imaging, temporary tooth replacements, abutments, crowns, bridges, or dentures may affect the total cost. A single implant crown and a full-arch restoration involve different treatment plans and fees.
Dental insurance benefits vary and may cover certain parts of the procedure rather than the entire treatment. Our team can help you review available benefits and discuss the practice’s financial options.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation in Riverton, Utah
Dental implants can provide a stable foundation for replacing one tooth, several teeth, or a complete arch. Your treatment plan should account for your oral health, jawbone, bite, appearance goals, and preferred type of restoration.
Contact Riverton Heights Dental Care to request a dental implant evaluation and learn which tooth-replacement options may be appropriate for you.
Riverton Heights Dental Care
3693 W. 13400 S., Suite B
Riverton, Utah 84065
Phone
(801) 781-5784
Office Hours:
Monday–Thursday: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Friday–Sunday: Closed
Dental Implant FAQs
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are posts placed in the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. They can support crowns, bridges, and certain types of dentures.
How do dental implants work?
The implant is positioned in the jawbone and given time to heal. After it reaches adequate stability, an abutment and custom restoration are attached to replace the visible portion of the missing tooth.
Who may be a candidate for dental implants?
Candidates generally need healthy gums, sufficient bone or an appropriate grafting option, and overall health that supports healing. A dental examination and review of your medical history are required to determine candidacy.
Do dental implants help preserve the jawbone?
An implant transfers some chewing forces into the jawbone in the area of the missing tooth, which may help maintain local bone. Results vary according to implant position, bite forces, health, and maintenance.
Is dental implant placement painful?
Local anesthesia is used to help keep you comfortable during placement. Temporary soreness, swelling, or tenderness may occur afterward, and your dental team will provide instructions for managing recovery.
How long does the dental implant process take?
The timeline varies according to the implant location, bone quality, healing, and the need for extraction or grafting. Treatment commonly includes planning, implant placement, a healing period, and placement of the final restoration.
How long do dental implants last?
Implants can remain functional for many years, but longevity is not guaranteed. Gum health, bone support, oral hygiene, bite forces, tobacco use, health conditions, and regular dental care can all affect the result, and the attached restoration may eventually need repair or replacement.
How should I care for a dental implant?
Brush twice daily, clean around the implant every day, and attend regular dental examinations and professional cleanings. Your dental team may recommend floss, interdental brushes, a water flosser, or other tools based on the restoration’s design.