Dental Implants in Des Moines: Permanently Replace Missing Teeth With Our Premium Dental Implant

“Dental implants can change your life. I’ve seen it happen for so many of my patients who have chosen to get dental implants in Des Moines.”

This is a bold statement and one that Stephen Forrest, DDS is absolutely convinced of, “Nothing in modern dentistry impacts people’s day-to-day lives like implant-anchored teeth,” he says. “Dentistry in general is in a renaissance period. At no time in history have we as dentists been able to do more for our patients.”

And no area has progressed more profoundly than implant dentistry for people in Des Moines who have lost their teeth.

There are several external and internal factors, which can cause missing teeth. These factors may include an accident, an injury, or gum disease. For many people in Iowa, having an incomplete smile may damage their self-esteem in addition to causing oral health problems.

Without tooth replacement, the remaining teeth have room to shift and adjust, which can cause a gradual deterioration of the jawbone.

Dental implants can replace missing teeth and solve these dental problems, allowing patients to lead the full, active lives they deserve with a full, bright and even stunning smile.

Dr. Forrest is an implant dentist in Des Moines, Iowa who combines advanced education with extensive clinical dental experience. As a result, his team at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center is uniquely qualified to provide all phases of implant dentistry – from placement of the implants to the final teeth.

Those who wear dentures in Des Moines know all too well the limitations that false teeth impose on their lives.

With dental implants to anchor the teeth, they will not move when the person chews, and equally important, their teeth will not come out at embarrassing times. You can laugh out loud without fear. When the upper denture is anchored with dental implants you have the added benefit of uncovering the roof of your mouth so you can feel and taste your food again!

Many people have been told at one time or another that they were not candidates for dental implants, however, these are often the people who need implant dentistry the most. The good news is today this statement is rarely true. There are several shapes and designs of implants, and they can provide support and stability for almost anyone.

Health, not age, is the deciding factor for getting dental implants. Patients as young as 16 and as old as 87 have been successfully fitted with dental implants. No matter what your age, dental implants can help to improve your quality of life.

Another factor that is evaluated in addition to your health, is also the amount of bone in your jaw. Dentures can put pressure on the bone and cause it to deteriorate. However, this can be remedied with bone grafting, which is used to replace lost bone and/or promote bone growth.

Because dental implants – available from Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center – are bonded directly to the bone in your jaw, they are as stable as your original teeth. Not only are they attractive, but they also allow for optimum chewing ability.

How To Get Dental Implants

Basically, there are two ways most patients have dental implants placed and restored. One way is for the patient to be referred by their general dentist to another dentist, usually, a periodontist or oral surgeon. Once the implant has been successfully placed, the patient returns to the general dentist for placement of the final restoration.

The second way is for the patient to have the implant placed and the final restoration completed by the same dentist. Many patients find this to be very convenient because it lessens the number of appointments and usually the patient will find the treatment more affordable.

“I chose to focus my practice on dental implants because, in my opinion, there is no greater need in dentistry. Dental implants can make a real difference in people’s lives by helping them overcome embarrassment, regain their confidence in social situations and restore their ability to truly enjoy eating again,” states Dr. Forrest.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root, which acts as an anchor for replacement teeth. Shaped like a screw, it is surgically placed into the jawbone to secure a replacement tooth or bridge in place. Stable and permanent, implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. They are the ideal tooth replacement procedure because they look and feel like natural teeth. Studies show that dental implants have a 95 percent success rate in most cases.

Why Choose Dental Implants?

Implants are great for patients who are unable to wear dentures. Instead, the dentist will place the implant directly into the jawbone to support permanently cemented bridges. Implants can be made from several different types of metallic and bone-like ceramic materials that are compatible with body tissue. When surgically anchored into the jawbone, the implant fuses with living bone in a process known as “osseointegration”. After your mouth heals, usually in three to six months, your dentist will place a permanent crown over the post to complete your smile restoration.

Do I Really Need To Replace One Missing Tooth?

Many people only visit a dentist when the problem has become severe and the pain is unmanageable. An infected tooth or a decayed tooth, if ignored for too long can pose serious medical problems. Removing the cavity is usually the first step, which may be followed by root canal treatment. If the problem is too severe, the tooth may need to be extracted.

Missing teeth leave a gap in your smile, which can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. Even one lost tooth can damage your oral health by causing other oral health problems. Missing teeth cause the other teeth to shift, resulting in cosmetic and functional dental problems. Dental implants can replace one tooth, several teeth, or all of your teeth, giving you back a healthy smile. For many people who are missing teeth, as well as those suffering from periodontal disease, the simple pleasures that accompany healthy teeth become a great privilege.

The loss of your teeth not only alters your appearance, it can impact your whole attitude towards life. Many people are embarrassed about their appearance as a result of missing teeth. But a full set of teeth can bolster your self-esteem and build confidence in social situations.

Whether your tooth loss is a result of an accident, gum disease, or you are just tired of ill-fitting and uncomfortable dentures, dental implants may be the answer for you. Dental implants have helped thousands of patients regain their natural smile. Dental implants are the most effective solution to filling the space the missing tooth creates. Dental implants are safe and carry out the functions of the extracted tooth. Advanced dental treatments have made dental implants the preferred treatment to replacing missing teeth

Am I A Candidate For Implant Dentistry?

“Modern advances in dental implant technology and new surgical techniques make implants possible for most people,” says Dr. Forrest.

Determining if you are a good candidate for dental implants depends on two things. The first thing is the quantity and quality of bone present in the area where the implants are to be placed. The second concern is your health. Usually, if you are healthy enough for a routine extraction, crown, or bridgework, you are healthy enough to undergo most dental implant procedures.

The area of potential implant placement is also closely examined to determine the type, size, and number of implants necessary to support the type of teeth or prosthesis you will need. A dentist should strive to restore a patient’s normal comfort, contour, function and esthetics. If the patient has lost a good deal of bone, there may still be a chance for other options.

While implants have been around for a while now, new advances are making them available to more patients. Bone substitutes can now even provide support for implants where they could not have been placed before.

What Is The Procedure For Getting Dental Implants?

The surgical procedure is performed in a routine dental setting on an outpatient basis and requires no hospitalization. The patient is able to go home the very same day.

“With new techniques, our patients are able to continue wearing their existing teeth during the entire healing period and never have to go a single day without teeth,” Dr. Forrest said.

“Patients often tell me what a pleasure it is to eat steak again and how they enjoy every bite. It’s so nice to see them smile with much more confidence. They get so many compliments on their teeth that most of my patients are now referrals,” says Dr. Forrest.

Today, dental implants are more and more becoming the treatment of choice for those who have complaints about missing teeth. They can also alleviate any pain or pressure one might feel due to dentures and enable wearers to enjoy the foods they love.

Dental Implants Provide Chewing Power

“An implant is anchored firmly into the jawbone through a natural process where the bone and the implant become integrated, providing the same stability as natural teeth, thus creating a strong support for a crown, bridge or denture,” says Dr. Forrest.

Since dental implants help distribute chewing forces throughout the jawbone, they can restore up to 90 percent of the chewing power lost with missing teeth, and they can minimize the erosion of the jawbone that normally occurs when teeth are lost or removed.

“It’s so rewarding to give my patients a better tooth replacement solution so they can eliminate the problems traditionally associated with dentures. Best of all, they’re able to smile more naturally, and regain their confidence in normal activities such as talking and laughing,” says Dr. Forrest.

“My patients can eat all kinds of food, just like people who have their own teeth,” says Dr. Forrest. “They often remark that the decision they make to have implants is one of the best investments they’ve ever made.”

How Do I Care For My Implants?

Treat your implants like you would your natural teeth. Brush at least twice a day, floss regularly, and schedule routine checkups with the dentist. Following these steps will make for a successful implant procedure and a gorgeous new smile.

What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?

If you are not a candidate for dental implants to replace all your teeth, your dentist may recommend implant-supported dentures, which will create a more secure situation with your dental appliance. With implant-supported dentures, several titanium posts are placed in your jawbone so that the denture can snap on to the implants, reducing slippage and improving comfort.

How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?

Because each case is unique, it is impossible to estimate the cost of implants until you meet with your dentist. After a complete exam, a member of our implant dentistry team will explain the findings and review treatment options, which will include the cost of dental implants.

Top 10 Reasons To Get Dental Implants

1. Dental implants offer a natural look. Whether it’s a front tooth or a molar, with a dental implant you will continue to have natural looking teeth that do not look out of place.
2. Dental implants are fixed titanium screws making them strong and sturdy. You don’t need to worry about a loose or moving tooth since dental implants do not move.
3. A dental implant is a permanent solution. Once an implant is placed you don’t need to go back again and again to get them adjusted. Basic, regular oral hygiene is all you need to keep your implants secure.
4. Dental implants do not cause any changes within the mouth. You do not feel any discomfort or unnatural changes while chewing, eating, talking or smiling. They fit like your natural teeth. Once an implant is placed you can forget about it!
5. The jawbone and the tissues accept the implant as a natural tooth.
6. The surrounding teeth are not prone to danger or damage because of the implant. Unlike partial dentures or fixed bridges, dental implants do not rely on surrounding teeth for support.
7. Dental implants do not call for any special care. Your daily brushing, flossing, rinsing ritual is enough to secure a long life for your implants.
8. Dental implants are the most successful treatment for replacing missing teeth. All over the world, dental implants have the highest success rate.
9. Dental implants are not prone to cavities. That’s a big advantage.
10. A dental implant is a one-time investment.

These are only 10 reasons to choose dental implant treatment over other available treatments. In fact, there are many more advantages that prove it to be even more beneficial in the long run. Implants have a long and healthy life that lasts for decades. The procedure for getting implants is also simple and does not require too many in-office visits.

The treatment has a fast recovery time allowing a quick return to your normal routine. Missing teeth may seem harmless to you at the moment, but in the long run it will start creating problems and affecting other teeth, ultimately resulting in lengthier dental treatments. So, instead of waiting it out and creating bigger problems, look into getting a dental implant and put a stop to any other dental issues.

There may be many people around you who already have dental implants – you just may not really notice it. If you know someone who has had implants, talking to them will give you an even clearer picture. Having an open conversation with your dentist about the process and care will also help you make a better informed decision.

At Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center, we have helped many people get back their natural and radiant smiles. Our expert dentist in Des Moines has the experience and knowledge to perform dental implant procedures effectively. You can be sure to get the best treatment, every time.

“It’s so rewarding to give my patients a better tooth replacement solution compared to dentures, so they can eliminate the problems traditionally associated with dentures. Best of all, they’re able to smile more naturally, and regain their confidence in normal activities such as talking and laughing,” says Dr. Forrest.

“My of my patients can eat all kinds of food, just like people who have their own teeth,” says Dr. Forrest. “They often remark that the decision they’ve made to have implants is one of the best investments they’ve ever made.”

Time is taken at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center to provide each patient with proper self-care instructions to ensure a long-term, successful outcome once treatment is completed.

“Our goal is to provide our patients with the finest quality of care as comfortably and as pain-free as possible,” says Dr. Forrest.

Dr. Forrest has been transforming smiles in the Des Moines area for over 30 years. His practice is a full-service dental office offering dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and sedation dentistry. Dr. Forrest is available to discuss any dental issues you may have.

Please call Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center today for your initial consultation. Dr. Forrest will be pleased to evaluate you and answer all of your questions regarding dental implants.