A missing tooth can affect more than just your appearance; it can change the way you speak, eat, and feel about your smile. For years, the only options were bridges or dentures; however, modern dentistry now offers a superior solution. Dental implants are now the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, providing a permanent and natural-looking result.

If you’re ready to explore your options for a permanent solution, contact our Lincoln office today to schedule a consultation.

Think of a dental implant as an artificial tooth root. It’s a small, screw-like post, typically made of biocompatible titanium, that is surgically placed into the jawbone right where your missing tooth used to be. This post becomes a sturdy foundation for a new, replacement tooth. A complete dental implant consists of three main parts.

This is the titanium screw that acts as the new root. The magic of dental implants lies in a process called osseointegration. This is where your natural jawbone grows around and fuses directly with the titanium post, creating a rock-solid, stable foundation that is just as strong as a natural root.

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Once the implant post has fully healed and fused with your jawbone, a small connector piece called an abutment is attached to the top of it. The abutment sits right at the gum line and acts as the base that will hold your new tooth securely in place.

The restoration is the final, visible part of the implant—the part that looks like a tooth. This is typically a custom-made dental crown designed to perfectly match the color, size, and shape of your surrounding natural teeth. Once it’s attached to the abutment, no one will be able to tell it’s not your original tooth.

Beyond just filling a gap, dental implants offer significant advantages over other options, like traditional bridges or removable dentures.

• A Permanent Solution: With proper care, brushing, and flossing, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime.
• Protects Your Jawbone: When you lose a tooth, the jawbone underneath it begins to shrink from lack of use. An implant stimulates the bone just like a natural root, preventing bone loss and preserving your facial structure.
• Looks and Feels Natural: Your implant restoration is custom-crafted to be indistinguishable from your other teeth, giving you a seamless, confident smile.
• Restores Full Chewing Power: Because implants are anchored securely in your jaw, you can eat all your favorite foods—from steak to apples—without worry or discomfort.
• Doesn’t Harm Healthy Teeth: A traditional dental bridge requires grinding down the healthy teeth on either side of a gap to support it. Implants are self-supporting and leave your healthy teeth completely untouched.
• Easy to Maintain: You care for your dental implant the same way you care for your natural teeth: with simple, regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.

You can experience these life-changing benefits for yourself. Schedule an appointment at Superior Dental of Lincoln to learn how dental implants can permanently restore your smile.

While dental implants are a fantastic solution for many, a successful outcome depends on a few key factors. The ideal candidate typically:

• Has one or more missing teeth.
• Has enough jawbone to support the implant post. (Even if your bone is thin, a simple procedure called a bone graft can often make you an excellent candidate.)
• Has healthy gums that are free from periodontal disease.
• Is in good overall health.
• Is a non-smoker or is willing to stop smoking during the healing process to ensure success.

The only way to know for certain if you are a candidate is through a professional evaluation. A consultation with an experienced dentist is the definitive first step.

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The journey to a new smile with dental implants is a well-planned, multi-step process designed for comfort and success.

• Consultation and Treatment Planning: This is the first step, where we use advanced 3D imaging and X-rays to carefully assess your jawbone and plan the precise placement of your new implant.
• Implant Placement: At this appointment, the titanium post is gently placed into your jawbone. The procedure is done with local anesthesia to ensure you are completely comfortable.
• Healing and Osseointegration: This is an important healing phase, which can take a few months. During this time, your jawbone naturally fuses with the implant post, creating that strong, permanent bond.
• Placing the Abutment and Crown: Once healing is complete, you will return to our office to have the abutment and your beautiful, custom-made crown attached. You’ll leave with a complete, fully functional new tooth.

Dental implants are the most advanced and reliable way to replace missing teeth, restoring not only your ability to chew and speak with confidence but your appearance as well. By preventing bone loss and protecting surrounding teeth, they are a true investment in your long-term oral health.

Ready to take the first step toward a complete, confident smile? The expert team at Superior Dental of Lincoln is here to answer your questions and create a personalized plan for you. Contact us today to schedule your dental implant consultation and discover if this life-changing solution is right for you.