People experience tooth loss for a wide range of reasons, including dental trauma, gum disease, poor oral hygiene, and tooth decay. Several restorative dental options are available to address tooth loss. Many patients choose dental implants for their durability, appearance, and dental health benefits. If you are missing one or several teeth, you may want to consider dental implants as an effective, natural-looking solution for tooth loss.
At Design Dental in North Liberty, IA, our dental care team restores dental implants with dental crowns, dentures, and dental bridges to create a stable and balanced smile. Teeth implants are designed to replace the natural tooth root and support a custom dental restoration. With a well-placed dental implant, patients can restore full function to their smile.
The Top Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants are small titanium posts that are surgically implanted into the jaw. Depending on the number and location of missing teeth, implants are restored using a dental crown, denture, or bridge.
Dental implants can offer a wide range of benefits for patients with missing teeth, including:
- Improves self-confidence: You can feel embarrassed about your smile after you lose a tooth. Implants restore your teeth and allow you to smile confidently again.
- Improves speech: Missing teeth can affect the way you speak, making it difficult to pronounce certain words. Implants help restore full function to your smile so you can speak with confidence.
- Permanent solution for tooth loss: Implants can last many years with proper care and maintenance.
- Natural-looking smile: Dental restorations are customized to meet your cosmetic needs.
- Can replace one or more missing teeth: Depending on your needs, dental implants can replace one tooth, several teeth, or a full mouth of teeth.
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most people who are missing teeth are good candidates for dental implants. The most important factor is having enough healthy jawbone to support the implant. If you have lost bone over time, you may still be able to get implants after a bone graft procedure.
Smoking can slow down healing and increase the risk of implant failure. If you use tobacco, talk with our team about ways to quit before starting implant treatment.
The best way to find out if implants are right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tu at Design Dental in North Liberty, IA. He will review your medical history, examine your jawbone, and discuss your goals and budget. Whether you need one tooth replaced or a full mouth of teeth, he will help you find the best solution for your smile.
Dental Implant Process in North Liberty, IA
We use advanced dental technology to plan and execute your dental implant treatment. Receiving dental implants will require multiple visits to our North Liberty dentist’s office. Dr. Schminke or Dr. Tu may coordinate with a local oral surgeon for the surgical phase of the implant procedure. The steps of your implant process depend on your unique dentistry needs.
- Preparation: If you have gum disease, decay, or insufficient bone tissue, our team will address these issues before your implant procedure.
- Placing the implant: In many cases, Dr. Tu works with an oral surgeon for the placement of your dental implants.
- Healing phase: On average, implants need 3-6 months to heal and fuse with the jaw bone fully. Our team will monitor your progress to ensure your implants are healing appropriately.
- Final restoration: Once the implants have fused with your jaw, Dr. Tu will place an abutment and restore your smile with a custom-made restoration.
Patient Review
“I had a previous terrible experience with an implant/crown placement, and Design Dental quickly quieted all of my fears. They were nothing but professional and reassuring, even when there were a few hiccups in my treatment plan. Dr. Tu and his assistant, Jamie, are my new favorite people. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back to them if I needed any other procedure done, and I would recommend them to any family and friends.”
-Stefanie G.
Dental Implant FAQs
Read answers to common questions about dental implants in North Liberty and Iowa City, IA.
What if I’ve lost multiple teeth?
We can replace multiple missing teeth with dental implants. If you need an implant bridge, we can replace one or more teeth in a row. You can also get full dentures if you have all your teeth missing.
What does placing a dental implant involve?
First, an oral surgeon will surgically insert the biocompatible implant post into the jaw. Over a period of four to six months, the bone tissue will bond to the post. Once you’re healed, we place an abutment that connects the post to your final restoration.
If you get a single implant, we’ll place a crown. You can also get a bridge or denture, depending on how many teeth you need replaced.
Does my oral health impact my candidacy for a dental implant?
Yes. You need to have healthy gums and sufficient jawbone density to get dental implants. If you suffer from advanced gum disease the implant can fail. Likewise, if you don’t have enough jawbone tissue, you may need a bone grafting procedure prior to placement.
How do I maintain my dental implants?
You can care for your new implants similarly to natural teeth. We recommend that you follow these tips to care for your dental implants:
- Brush using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Use an interdental floss or water flosser
- Visit us twice a year for a checkup
Replace Missing Teeth with Dental Implants in North Liberty, IA
Don’t let missing teeth be the reason you hide your smile. Our team at Design Dental offers a full range of tooth replacement options to restore function, health, and beauty to your natural smile.
Learn more about how dental implants can benefit you at Design Dental. If you are looking for dental implants in North Liberty, IA, visit Dr. Trish Schminke or Dr. Tu for a consultation. To schedule an appointment, call (319) 284-4361 or request an appointment online. We are currently accepting dental implant patients from the surrounding areas, including Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, IA.
Learn more about implant services on our website: