Dental Implants in Little Rock & Cabot, AR
People with only a single tooth missing used to be left with few options when it came time to replace it; historically, replacing a tooth required damaging some of the surrounding teeth. But these treatments were time-consuming, costly, and did unnecessary damage to healthy teeth. Fortunately, patients can now restore their missing teeth with dental implants in Cabot, AR.
The practice of Samuel F. Jirik is dedicated to providing patients with a broad range of dental procedures that can address nearly all dental disorders. Contact us today for more information about our practice, or to schedule a consultation appointment.
See What Our Patients Have To Say...
"I was going to Dr. Jirik for several years and I always had a great experience there. The dental hygienist is very good. I also had an implant on a front tooth that Dr. Jirik did an awesome job. I still love it after all these years. I had to leave that office for a few years because of the new insurance I had. I've tried many dentists in the area for several years, but now I'm back to Dr. Jirik and glad I am."
"I highly recommend Dr. Jirik to anyone with dental or dental implant questions or requirements. I have been using Dr. Jirik's office for over 4 years having several dental implants and bone grafting procedures performed with the highest professional work available. Just entering his office you are met with the most gifted and friendliest staff to greet you."
Amazing staff, atmosphere, and Mr. Jirik is a very nice and amazingly talented dentist!! I did my research before going to him and he has the best reviews. I totally understand why now! Everyone is reassuring and talk you through every step. Got implants all on the top 24 hours ago and I’m not in a lot of pain! They look PERFECT!!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are medical fixtures meant to replace the root of a tooth. These fixtures are mostly used by individuals that only have one or two missing teeth, but can also be implemented in conjunction with dental bridges to replace entire rows of teeth. Our all-on-four treatment uses this technique.
What Are Dental Implants Made From?
Dental implants are typically made out of titanium to ensure that they are durable and long lasting. Titanium is particularly well-suited for dental implants because it is lightweight, strong, and biocompatible. In fact, dental implants aren’t just merely accepted by the body; they actually fuse with the bone entirely in a process called osseointegration. Patients that do no have a large enough jaw bone can receive subperiosteal implants, or implants inserted within the gums, directly above the jaw.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants allow missing teeth to be restored back to optimum function and appearance. In the past, patients who were missing a single tooth would need to receive a fixed dental bridge to replace it.
This required that teeth on either side of the missing tooth be fitted with crowns, suspending a replacement tooth between them. With this new technique, you can replace a missing tooth while leaving healthy teeth alone to continue to thrive.
By securing an artificial root in the jaw, dental implants can help maintain the structure, density, and integrity of the jaw and gum tissue. This procedure also comes with many of the benefits of other tooth replacement surgeries: it can make eating, chewing, smiling, and talking easier and more comfortable.
Ideal Candidates for Dental Implants
Nearly anyone who has missing teeth is a candidate to receive dental implants in Cabot, AR. However, only individuals in good health will be able to successfully undergo this procedure. Uncontrolled diabetes, alcoholism, periodontal gum disease, cancer, can affect how the extent that these implants are able to fuse to the bone.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are expected to last quite a long time. Long-term studies spanning more than 30 years have demonstrated an 80 to 90 success rate for total tooth replacement. The long-term success rate for the replacement of one or several teeth is more than 95 percent. Of course, several factors influence how long a dental implant can last, including general health and oral health, smoking, the integrity of the jawbone, and ongoing oral care.
Could You Replace All Teeth With Dental Implants?
Dentists prefer to save natural tooth structure whenever possible. However, there are instances in which complete tooth replacement is healthier and more cost-effective. When all teeth need to be replaced, an implant dentist will usually recommend restoring structure with a hybrid denture.
These dentures are affixed to a few dental implants to achieve better stabilization and to support the necessary regeneration of bone in the jaw.
Will My Dental Implants Look and Feel Natural?
Dental implants provide the highest degree of foundational stability available. After a brief period of getting accustomed to implants and their restoration, patients report feeling as though they are chewing, speaking, and smiling with the same healthy teeth they were born with. Not only do dental implants feel like real teeth and allow you to eat all of your favorite foods, but they also look completely natural.
What Are Some Risks of Getting Dental Implants?
Just like with any dental procedure, the dental implant procedure does come with some risks that patients should be aware of before considering getting their dental implants. These include:
- Infection
- Swelling of the gums
- Sinus damage
- Nerve damage
- Joint and muscle pain
- Damage to the jaw bone
- Bleeding
What Is The Recovery Process Like After My Dental Implant Procedure?
Recovery time can vary from patient to patient. It may also be affected by the number of dental implants you get, but most patients are able to recover from their procedure within two to three days. With proper aftercare, patients should not experience many complications during their recovery period. Eating soft foods, avoiding smoking, and keeping your body as healthy as possible will help your recovery go smoothly.
Common side effects following the dental implant procedure include swelling, slight discomfort, difficulty eating, and some pain. However, within a few days, these side effects should subside. Under the care of Dr. Jirik, these side effects can easily be managed, and risks can be avoided.
In about a week, patients will be able to eat normal foods and brush the implant site directly. At this time in your recovery, it’s still important to be gentle with your mouth and to be wary of tough, chewy, and crunchy foods. In two weeks, most patients are fully recovered without any pain. Patients who get enough rest, eat the right foods, and stay hydrated may be able to speed up their healing process.
What Foods Should I Avoid With Dental Implants?
Dental implants must receive the best opportunity to integrate into the jawbone. For approximately 3 months after receiving implants, patients are encouraged to eat a fork diet, meaning if you can cut it with a fork you can eat it. This does not have to be limiting. Patients may eat fish and chicken as their dental implants are healing. Soups with soft, cooked vegetables can be enjoyed, as can smoothies, eggs, cottage cheese, and soft breads. Hard and crunchy foods can be added back into the diet once x-rays have confirmed that dental implants are fully healed.
How Should I Care For My Dental Implants?
Dental implants can thrive with the same basic care we give natural teeth. Implants and the gums must be kept clean through daily brushing and flossing around abutments, if necessary. To support the long-term health of dental implants, patients need only a soft-bristled toothbrush (manual or electric), nonabrasive, tartar-control toothpaste, and dental floss.
In addition to maintaining a healthy daily oral care practice, patients with dental implants must also be committed to regular dental exams and cleanings. People with dental implants may need to see the dentist 2 to 4 times a year. X-rays may be performed yearly to observe the condition of dental implants within the jawbone.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Dental implants are considered a safe and long-lasting tooth replacement technique. This treatment is currently the best option we have for re-establishing optimal oral function after tooth loss. Although rare, there are potential complications that patients should be aware of. These include infection, implant failure, sinus problems, allergic reaction to the implant material, and damage to teeth, nerves, or blood vessels in the treatment area.
Generally, dental implants have a success rate of approximately 95%. Dr. Jirik has been restoring dental implants since 1989 and has helped many patients achieve the natural, functional smile they deserve.
Are Dental Implants Safe for Children?
While dental implants are considered safe and effective for adults, this method of tooth replacement is not appropriate for children under a certain age. The success of dental implants relies on fully-developed bone. The placement of a dental implant before this time could inhibit optimal jaw growth and also prevent permanent teeth from growing in well.
A teen aged 15 or older may be a candidate for dental implant treatment. However, this is fully dependent on the physical maturity of the jawbone and development of the dental arches.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
Dental implant surgery is performed with IV conscious sedation. You will rest comfortably and be able to respond to questions or commands. In addition we use a local anesthetic that numbs the gums and underlying tissues. Patients can expect to feel sensations that are similar to getting a filling or having a root canal; the pressure of dental instruments. This is not a painful experience in the least.
Dental Implants Cost
Schedule A Consultation for Dental Implants In Cabot, AR
If you're interested in learning more about dental implants, please contact us for a consultation at 501-843-9561 or fill out our contact us form here. Dr. Jirik and his highly experienced staff are dedicated to serving patients in Cabot, AR, and the greater Little Rock area. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.
