Affordable Dental Implants in Portland
Choosing the right surgeon for your Dental Implant surgery.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
With a high success rate, dental implants are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth. They are a reliable option when dentures or bridgework do not fit well or when there aren’t enough natural tooth roots to support these restorations. Dental implants provide a stable, long-lasting foundation for tooth replacements, offering numerous benefits for patients seeking a comfortable and effective alternative to traditional dentures or bridgework.
The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) reports an overall success rate of around 95% for dental implants.
Restored Function & Appearance
Enjoy eating, speaking, and smiling without discomfort or worry.
Bone Health
Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that can occur with missing teeth.
Long-Term Stability
Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, implants can last a lifetime with proper care.
Missing Teeth Have a Systemic Impact
Summit Oral Surgery takes an integrative approach to dental implants and implant-supported dentures, understanding that missing teeth impact overall well-being, including self-esteem and confidence.
Many patients needing implants have experienced dental trauma or other circumstances that brought them here, and Dr. Charugundla’s thoughtful approach creates a space for both physical restoration and emotional support, fostering a more comprehensive healing experience.
Bone Loss (Resorption)
When a tooth is lost, the surrounding jawbone no longer receives stimulation from chewing forces. This leads to gradual bone resorption (bone loss) in that area, which can eventually affect facial structure, causing a sunken appearance around the cheeks and mouth.
Changes in Facial Appearance
As bone loss progresses, facial changes occur, such as hollowing in the cheeks, deepening of wrinkles around the mouth, and a shorter lower face height, all of which can contribute to an aged appearance.
Shifting of Remaining Teeth
Adjacent teeth may begin to drift toward the gap left by missing teeth, causing misalignment and bite problems (malocclusion). This shifting can lead to increased wear on remaining teeth, joint issues, and discomfort.
Difficulty in Chewing and Digestion
Missing teeth reduce chewing efficiency, making it harder to eat certain foods, especially healthy, fibrous foods like vegetables and whole grains. Inadequate chewing can lead to digestive issues and limit nutrient absorption.
Gum Disease and Decay in Remaining Teeth
Gaps from missing teeth can trap food and bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease (periodontitis) and tooth decay in neighboring teeth, potentially leading to further tooth loss.
Speech Issues
Missing teeth, particularly in the front, can affect pronunciation and speech clarity, potentially impacting confidence in social interactions. If you have been affected by speech issues due to missing teeth, working with a Speech Language Pathologist or Myofunctional Therapist may also be helpful, after surgery.
Joint and Muscle Strain (TMJ Disorders)
When teeth are missing, the bite may become unbalanced, putting strain on the jaw joint (TMJ) and muscles. This can lead to TMJ pain, headaches, and even chronic facial or neck pain. Learn about our TMJ treatment philosophy>
Dental Implant Surgery Process
During your consultation, Dr. C will explain the Dental Implant process.
Before surgery, a thorough evaluation is conducted, including X-rays or 3D imaging to assess bone density and structure. If necessary, extractions and bone grafting may be performed to ensure there is enough healthy bone to support the implant.
Once the site has healed, threaded implant posts made of biocompatible materials, such as titanium, are surgically placed in the jawbone. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration, providing a stable base for a crown or prosthetic tooth.
After the placement of your implant post(s), you will receive specific instructions on post-operative care, including pain management, diet, and oral hygiene. It’s important to monitor for potential complications such as infection, nerve damage, or implant failure. The process concludes with the attachment of the final crown, resulting in a natural-looking, durable replacement tooth.
Sedation for Dental Implant Surgery
Dental implants are typically performed some type of under sedation to ensure patient comfort and minimize anxiety during the procedure. The level of sedation used can vary based on the complexity of the case, patient’s preference, and medical history – Dr. Charugundla will discuss this aspect with you in depth.
This approach is intended for patients missing most or all of their teeth. Instead of placing individual implants for each tooth, a few strategically placed implants stabilize a complete set of dentures.
Benefits include:
- More stability than traditional dentures
- Stimulation of the jawbone to prevent bone loss
- Snap-in dentures are removable for cleaning
Your first appointment will be a consultation, Dr. Charugundla urges you to be transparent with him about any information relevant to your dental implant transformation, anxieties or fears about the process. Get more information on preparing for your first appointment >