Comparing Your Restoration Options
Missing teeth can have a detrimental impact on your ability to eat, speak, and socialize effectively. If left unaddressed, they can even negatively impact your oral health and overall wellness. A dental implant serves as an effective, permanent solution to tooth loss, which is why Dr. Shlafer highly recommends it to patients looking to restore their smile for a lifetime.
At our Farmington office, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to dental care, which is why we offer a number of implant solutions to restore the health, function, and beauty of your smile. The best tooth replacement solution for your smile depends on your individual needs and the specifics of your case. During your consultation, Dr. Shlafer will consider several factors as he creates your personalized treatment plan.
If you’re a Michigan patient from Canton, Plymouth, Southfield, Franklin, Beverly Hills, or the surrounding areas missing a single tooth or even an entire arch, we have the dental implant solution for you.
Single-Tooth Solutions
For patients who are only missing one tooth, we can fill the gap in your smile with a single dental implant that secures a natural-looking porcelain crown. Our crowns are custom-made to match the unique shape, size, and color of your surrounding teeth. And they’re created from durable materials to ensure effective, long-lasting results.
For patients who are short on time, we also feature CEREC® Same-Day Crowns. This convenient treatment option allows us to deliver a high-quality replacement tooth in just one appointment.
Multi-Tooth Solutions
To replace missing teeth that are adjacent to one another, the best options are typically either a dental bridge or partial denture secured by two or more implants.
The implants will anchor your bridge or partial denture to your jawbone, ensuring comfort and stability. This also eliminates the strain on your surrounding teeth that often results from traditional bridges and dentures.
Dr. Schlafer can also use individual dental implants to restore missing teeth that aren’t adjacent to one another.
Full-Arch Replacement
For patients who are missing one or both arches of teeth, Dr. Schlafer usually recommends implant-supported dentures. Using just four to six dental implants, we’ll surgically attach your dentures for greater comfort and increased chewing power. You can choose between fixed dentures, which are not removable, or snap-on dentures, which still offer the stability of implants but can be removed for your convenience.
We also feature All-on-4® implant-supported dentures. The All-on-4 process eliminates the need for bone grafting and shortens your recovery time, making it a popular option with our patients. Another benefit of All-on-4 is that all surgical procedures are performed in one day, and you’ll leave our office wearing an attractive, fully functional temporary prosthetic. Then you’ll return to our office at a later date to get your permanent restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Dental implants are a permanent and comfortable solution for our patients who are missing one or more teeth. To determine whether dental implants are right for you, our trusted Farmington dentist will evaluate a number of factors. The ideal candidate for dental implants:
- Has enough bone in the jaw to support an implant
- Is in good overall health
- Is free of gum disease
In many cases, Dr. Shlafer can provide a supplemental treatment to strengthen the health of your smile and prepare you for implant placement. If he determines that dental implants aren’t the best solution for you, don’t worry⎼ we’ll work together to find the most effective method to restore your smile.
I have dental anxiety, can I still get implants?
Yes! If you’re nervous about receiving dental implants, understand that your feelings are normal and valid. Dental anxiety is a common ailment, but it should never hold you back from seeking treatment, which is why Dr. Shlafer offers both oral conscious sedation and IV sedation as part of our sedation dentistry to help put you at ease during your procedure.
Can dental implants be easily distinguished from natural teeth?
Dental implants are designed to closely resemble natural teeth in both appearance and function. They are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, ensuring a seamless integration. Once fully healed, dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth, allowing you to smile, speak, and eat with confidence.
Can dental implants last a lifetime?
With proper care and maintenance, dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime. Dental implants are made from biocompatible materials such as titanium, which fuse with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This provides a stable foundation for the implant. However, maintaining good oral hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding habits like smoking are crucial factors in ensuring the long-term success of dental implants.