Implants & Bone Grafting

Baker & Graham

Overview

Are you looking to restore your smile with a reliable, long-lasting solution like dental implants? At Baker & Graham Family Dentistry in Hattiesburg, MS, we pride ourselves on offering exceptional restorative services, including dental implants. Dental implants may be the solution for you if you are missing one or more teeth and are looking to restore your smile. With the help of our dentists, Dr. William Baker, Jr. and Dr. Erik Graham, you can easily restore your smile at Baker & Graham Family Dentistry.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a modern solution to missing teeth. They consist of a small titanium post that acts as a tooth root, which we surgically place into the jawbone. This post fuses with the bone over time, providing a sturdy foundation for a custom-made crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth. With modern technology, our dental team is able to provide the best care to ensure a smooth and comfortable process for restoring your smile with dental implants.

How Can Dental Implants Help You

Dental implants offer a versatile solution for various dental issues.

Missing Teeth: They are used to replace one or more missing teeth, providing a stable and permanent solution.
Improved Chewing Ability: Implants restore the ability to chew food properly, which may be difficult due to missing teeth.
Enhanced Speech: Missing teeth can affect speech clarity; implants help improve speech by restoring teeth that support proper pronunciation.
Preserved Jawbone Structure: Implants stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone loss when teeth are missing, helping to maintain facial structure and avoid sagging.
Natural Appearance: Implants look and feel like natural teeth, enhancing smile aesthetics and boosting confidence.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants provide numerous advantages over other tooth replacement options. Here are five key benefits:

Natural Look and Feel:

Dental implants are designed to mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth. The custom-made crowns blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, giving you a natural-looking smile.

Durability:

With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime—the titanium post fuses with the jawbone, creating a stable and permanent foundation for the crown.

Improved Oral Health:

Unlike bridges, which require the alteration of adjacent teeth, dental implants do not affect nearby teeth. This preserves your natural tooth structure and promotes long-term oral health.

Better Functionality:

Dental implants restore full chewing power, allowing you to eat your favorite foods without disco

Boosted Confidence:

A complete, healthy smile can significantly enhance your self-esteem. Dental implants give you the confidence to smile, speak, and socialize without worrying about missing teeth.

The Dental Implant Process

The dental implant process at Baker & Graham Family Dentistry is thorough and precise, ensuring optimal results for our patients.

Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this visit, we will examine your dental health, discuss your goals, and determine if dental implants are the right solution for you. We may also take X-rays or 3D scans to assess the condition of your jawbone.

Implant Placement

Once you’re deemed a suitable candidate, the next step is the surgical placement of the titanium post. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. We will carefully insert the implant into the jawbone, where it will fuse over several months.

Healing Period

After the implant is placed, a healing period called osseointegration occurs. During this time, the implant fuses with the jawbone, creating a stable foundation. This process typically takes a few months, but it is crucial for the implant’s long-term success.

Abutment Placement

Once osseointegration is complete, an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment serves as a connector between the implant and the custom-made crown.

Crown Placement

The final step is placing the crown. Our team will ensure that the crown is crafted to match your natural teeth’ color, shape, and size, providing a seamless and natural appearance.

Dental Implant Aftercare

Proper aftercare is essential to ensure the longevity and success of your dental implants. Here are some tips to keep your implants in top condition:

Maintain Oral Hygiene:

Dental implants require regular brushing and flossing like natural teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean around the implant and crown.

Regular Dental Check-ups:

Schedule regular check-ups with Baker & Graham Family Dentistry to monitor the health of your dental implants and address any potential issues early on.

Avoid Hard Foods:

While dental implants are durable, it’s best to avoid biting down on hard foods or objects that could damage the crown or implant.

Quit Smoking:

Smoking can impede the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure. If you smoke, consider quitting to promote better oral health and implant success.