Dental Implants in Traverse City, MI

Dental implants are utilized to offer patients a foundation for new restorative teeth where natural teeth are missing or have been extracted. The implant offers the patient the opportunity to regain normal function of the tooth without being forced to resort to a removable bridge or dentures. Dental implants are now considered standard of care in many tooth replacement instances. At Yancho Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Traverse City, MI we are now placing implants in office with the high quality, Straumann product line.  3D CT Scan imaging is used in office to be sure of accurate placement.  Dr. Yancho still feels that some implants are best placed by a surgeon with advanced training in this area to help avoid complications and additional costs and complications. Board-certified Michigan dentist Dr. Phillip Yancho will coordinate all appointments and make it easy for patients to get the result they are looking for and deserve. Each case is different and the implant case will be designed with the patient's best interests in mind. Implants can be used to replace single (implant crown) or multiple teeth (implant bridge) in a mouth that already has most of the natural teeth left. They can also replace all the patient's teeth with different types of denture restorations, fixed and removable. Benefits of dental implants:

• Osseointegration (bond) with existing bo 
• Attractive and natural-looking
• Eliminate pain while talking or eating
• Prevent progressive bone loss

Prior to the dental implant procedure, a thorough examination will be conducted. The dentist will examine the teeth and jawbone to assess whether the gums are healthy enough and if the patient has enough bone to properly support an implant. X-rays will be taken to help the dentist develop impressions of the mouth to ensure replacement teeth fit accurately and naturally.  3D CT imaging is available in Dr. Yancho's office.  A local anesthetic can be given prior to the implant to minimize pain and discomfort. The dentist will place the small titanium post implant into the missing tooth’s bone socket. During the course of the jawbone healing, it will grow around the implant.

The jawbone healing process can take 3 – 6 months as it lays a strong foundation for the replacement tooth to be placed. At this time, a small abutment, or connector post, is attached to the implant so that a new tooth, called a crown, can be placed. Other replacement options, such as bridges or dentures, can be used as well. The replacement will match the color, shape, and size of the patient’s natural teeth to give it a consistent look.

Once the dental implant is set, a patient has the option of temporary or permanent replacement teeth. Permanent teeth such as crowns and bridges are fixed into place. Some patients may opt for removable dentures that can be moved as needed. The dentist will work with the patient in order to determine the best option.

After the dental implants are installed, most patients report little to no pain. If there is any soreness, an over-the-counter pain medication can be taken. It is important for a patient to practice good oral hygiene after the procedure. This includes regularly brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash. It’s also important to keep up with regular dental appointments. If a patient practices proper oral hygiene and treats the implant with care, a dental implant is extremely durable and should last for a lifetime. In some instances, the replacement teeth may deteriorate due to wear and tear and may need to be replaced.

If you want to be proud of your smile again, dental implants can fill in missing teeth for a more attractive appearance. Anyone who has missing teeth is encouraged to call our office today to make a consultation and find out about their dental implant options.