Questions about Dental Implants

Serving Greater Southern Maine and the New Hampshire Seacoast.

How can missing teeth affect my dental health?
Each tooth has its place in the comprehensive “bite,” providing support and chewing function. When a tooth is missing, it can cause neighboring teeth to shift or sink and may make simple chewing movements difficult. Missing teeth can also lead to bone loss in the jaw, a condition that can have serious, negative effects on oral health and may cause further tooth loss.

How long is the dental implant process?
The dental implant process may take anywhere from three to nine months, depending on your situation. First, a dental implant is placed into the jaw bone. The bone is then allowed to grow around the implant and completely incorporate it. After this process is complete your artificial tooth (crown) is attached via an abutment. For some patients, an extra step called bone grafting may be required for maximum stability.

Are dental implants permanent?
Yes, when properly cared for. Dental implants are anchored by a titanium screw into your actual jaw bone during a surgical procedure. Ideally, you should not have to replace implants under normal wear-and-tear circumstances. Our Maine and New Hampshire dental implant clients love the fact that once the implant process is complete, they can eat, chew, and speak like normal without having to worry.

What are the advantages of implants over dentures?
Dental implants are a permanent fixture for your smile. There is no need to remove them or worry about a unique cleaning routine — just brush and floss your implanted tooth with the rest. Dental implants are anchored to the jaw bone for a firm fit, so there is no worrying about what foods you can eat. Better yet, our dental implants are created with State of the Art technology and expert craftsmanship so they will blend in well with your smile.

Are your implant dentists well-trained?
The actual implant will be placed by a periodontist or oral surgeon, not a general dentist.  Our carefully-selected team of skilled dental professionals has many years of combined experience placing dental implants. Several of our cosmetic dentists received their post-graduate training at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, a highly respected, progressive training facility. For more information on our dentists and their backgrounds, please visit the Our Dental Team page.

Bring your dental crown questions to Kennebunk Center for Dentistry. Our friendly, caring team of dental professionals will fill you in on all the details and help you decide if this cosmetic dentistry option is right for you. Please call or e-mail our Kennebunk dentist today for an appointment.

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