Dental Implants Fort Smith
Advanced Tooth Replacement That Lasts
Neglecting treatment for tooth loss can lead to significant dental problems related to your jawbone and existing teeth. It can also become troublesome for your aesthetics and overall well-being. Fortunately, Dr. Harper and Dr. Cooper can mitigate these issues with dental implants in Fort Smith. We offer zirconia and titanium options as well as implant dentures and All-on-4, and we can complete this whole process in-house. We’ll help determine which solution you need, so don’t wait any longer. Call us to schedule your consultation today.
Why Choose Harper Dental for Dental Implants?
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are permanent tooth replacements that can be made from biocompatible materials like titanium or zirconia. They’re placed within the jawbone and create a foundation that supports a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture. An implant’s ability to restore the root of a missing tooth makes it drastically different than other solutions (i.e., traditional denture or fixed dental bridge), and its longevity allows you to enjoy your new smile for decades as opposed to only a few years.
Zirconia vs Titanium Dental Implants
Titanium dental implants are typically composed of two parts: the implant screw, which replaces the tooth root, and an abutment, which connects the screw to the restoration. Because each portion of this two-piece system can be implanted individually, titanium implants can be inserted deeper into the bone. These parts are often installed at different stages. Zirconia implants usually have a single piece, though - meaning the treatment can be finished in a single session.
Both dental implant materials offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. Our team will help you choose the best material based on your requirements and preferences.
The 4-Step Dental Implant Process
There are multiple steps required when placing dental implants, each equally important if placement is to be successful.
- Initial Consultation – You will meet with Dr. Harper or Dr. Cooper to discuss your candidacy for dental implants before undergoing a thorough examination. This will determine if you need preliminary treatment before having your implants surgically placed within your jawbone.
- Dental Implant Surgery – Since the surgical placement is performed in-house, we will administer local anesthesia before placing each implant post into its designated spot. These areas will be determined beforehand with the help of our CT/Cone Beam Scanner.
- Osseointegration/Abutment – After returning home to recover, your dental implants will need to fuse with the existing bone in a process known as osseointegration. This can take 4-6 months. You will then receive your abutments (if you have titanium implants), which will hold your restoration in place.
- Delivery of Your Custom Restoration – The final phase of treatment is having your custom restoration attached to your implant posts. This will create your new smile, and you can begin to enjoy the many benefits these prosthetics have to offer.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants offers a multitude of benefits that cannot be achieved with traditional dentures or a regular fixed dental bridge. What you will discover is:
- Dental implants can last 30 years or longer, with some patients even reporting a lifetime of use.
- Dental implants stimulate the jawbone by mimicking the function of a natural tooth root, which minimizes the risk of bone resorption and facial sagging.
- Dental implants are easy to maintain and do not require specialized instruments or products to keep them clean.
- Dental implants allow you to eat all your favorite foods because these prosthetics act just like regular teeth and the implant posts assist with chewing power.
- Dental implants boost your confidence because you will once again be able to enjoy life with a full, complete set of teeth.