Questions For Your Kalaheo Dentist
Choosing a dentist for your family's care is a big step, and we know you probably have a lot of questions about our office, dental care, and your own health in particular.
We've taken the time to collect some of the questions we hear most often. See if your question is answered here! If not – or if you'd like more information – give us a call or send us an email using the convenient online form on our contact page.
Dental Implants
Implants Act Like a Natural Root
Dental implants are the only tooth loss solution that recreates the entire structure of the tooth, from root to crown. A titanium implant post is placed surgically in your jaw and prevents bone loss, just like a natural root does.
Because of the way your jaw heals after placement, the biocompatible implant fuses with surrounding bone and tissue. After several months of healing, it becomes a permanent part of your dental structure, and we attach a crown, bridge, or denture to restore function and appearance.
Long-Term Success Depends on You
However, the key to the long-term success of a dental implant is being diligent with your oral health by brushing twice and flossing once a day. Lack of proper oral hygiene can lead to gum disease that compromises bone in your jaw and causes the implant to fail. With proper at-home care and routine visits to your dentist for exams and checkups, your implant could last a lifetime. When you get a dental implant at Kalaheo Dental Group, we will make sure to educate you on the proper care for longevity of your dental implant.
Learn More about Dental Implants
If you would like to learn more about dental implants in Kalaheo to see if they’re right for you, please call our office. One of our skilled dentists will be happy to consult with you to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you decide if dental implants are the best solution for you.
Getting a dental implant typically takes three to six months from start to finish. It involves several
stages expertly performed by your experienced Kauai dentist. When completed, you'll have a permanent tooth replacement that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
Step-by-Step Dental Implant Procedure
Getting a dental implant involves five steps as follows:
- Initial Consultation and Planning — Your Kauai dentist performs a comprehensive examination, including 3-D imaging, to evaluate your oral health and bone density. This step determines if you're an ideal candidate and allows for precise implant placement planning.
- Implant Placement — During this surgical procedure, we carefully insert a titanium post into the jawbone. This step takes approximately one to two hours per implant. Strong local anesthetics ensure a comfortable, pain-free procedure.
- Healing and Integration — The titanium implant will fuse with the jawbone over the next three to four months. This natural process, called osseointegration, creates a stable foundation for your new replacement tooth.
- Abutment Placement — Once healing is complete, the dentist opens the gum and attaches an abutment to the implant. This piece is the foundation for your final restoration.
- Crown Placement — The final step in the implant process is attaching the custom-crafted crown to the abutment, completing your smile restoration.
Benefits of Dental Implants in Kauai
With dental implants, you can eat, speak, and smile confidently again, but those are not the only benefits:
- Can last a lifetime with proper care
- Helps maintain facial structure
- Natural appearance and function
- Prevents jawbone deterioration
Ready to start your dental implant journey? Call Kalaheo Dental to arrange an appointment today!
Dental implants can last for decades and sometimes even for life!
Other tooth replacement options can last for many years, with an average lifespan of around 10 to 15 years. Therefore, dental implants have a clear longevity advantage.
Increasing Your Dental Implant Lifespan
Here are a few ways to promote dental implant health and longevity:
- Brush and floss regularly.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and teeth cleanings.
- Talk to your dentist if you grind your teeth (bruxism).
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
- Always report oral health changes to your Kalaheo dentist.
Complications like gum disease, triggered by oral neglect, smoking, and lack of dental cleanings, can lead to dental implant failure.
So, if you’re searching for ways to make your dental implants last longer, healthy habits will be your priority. In other words, if you’re wondering what affects the dental implant lifespan, the answer is unhealthy habits, such as poor oral hygiene and lack of appropriate dental care.
Are You Considering Dental Implants in Kalaheo, HI?
In addition to their longevity, dental implants promote jawbone health and integrity, prevent tooth migration, and result in a natural-looking smile.
To learn more about tooth replacement or to schedule a consultation with our dentist, please contact us today at (808) 332-9445. Please remember to inquire about our membership plan and budgeting options.
Dental implants are made of three parts, including:
- Dental replacement root
- Connector or abutment
- Dental crown or prosthetic
This blog explores dental implants in Kauai—what they are and how they work.
Dental Implants Explained
The dental replacement root is the first part of the implant. The dentist in Kalaheo places the root surgically into the jawbone. After it integrates with the bone, we attach the connect or abutment, followed by your dental crown or prosthetic.
Your dentist can provide one implant—root, abutment, and crown—or up to six implants per arch for an implant-retained denture.
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement choice if you want to restore the entire tooth from root to crown. The benefits of this approach include:
- Jawbone support: Jawbones deteriorate without tooth roots.
- Bite stability: A dental implant keeps your remaining teeth in place and prevents shifting.
- Chewing force: Dental implants restore your chewing force, which means no eating restrictions.
Fixed tooth replacement is always the best course, and dental implants have long been the gold standard.
Contact Our Dental Implant Dentist in Kauai
Contact our office today for more information about dental implants or to schedule a tooth replacement consultation with the dentist.
We offer financing options. Ask us for details.