Dental Implants in Auburn

Custom Implant Care in Auburn, ME

At Taylor Brook Dental Associates, we know that no two patients are the same. That’s why each implant restoration is custom-made to your exact measurements and specifications. Creating a comfortable, functional, and beautiful restoration requires an exceptional level of skill and experience. Dr. Will Catterton is trained in implant placement and will work with you on a personal level to make sure your restorations not only look beautiful but function flawlessly, providing decades of durable, reliable use.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Most dental implants consist of three main parts:

• The implant post: A small post, commonly made of titanium, that is surgically placed into the jawbone and acts as an artificial tooth root.
• The abutment: A connector attached to the post that serves as the anchor for your new tooth.
• The restoration: A custom crown, bridge, or denture that attaches to the abutment and looks just like a natural tooth.

Over time, the implant post fuses with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration, creating a strong, stable foundation that won’t slip or shift.

What Is the Procedure for Dental Implants?

Your implant journey begins with a consultation and exam of the area where the implant is being considered. Using digital X-rays and 3D imaging, your dentist will evaluate your bone and determine whether any neighboring teeth need a tooth extraction or whether dental bone grafting is needed to build a strong foundation.

Once any preparatory treatment has healed, the implant is placed into the bone, and a healing cap is placed over it so the healing phase can begin. After the implant has fused with the bone, the abutment and your final custom restoration are attached. Throughout the process, it’s important to keep up with your regular dental checkups so we can monitor healing and keep your implant healthy. If you feel anxious about treatment, we offer sedation dentistry to help you stay relaxed.

What Types of Dental Implants Exist?

Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant. They consist of a titanium rod placed into the jawbone and a supporting post designed to secure a dental crown or bridge. They’re ideal for replacing one tooth or several teeth.

All-on-4 implants are a revolutionary system in which an entire upper or lower arch of teeth is supported by just four implants. Each implant is strategically placed so the replacement teeth stay steady and secure. Using four implants promotes faster recovery and reduces the likelihood of complications.

Mini dental implants are about half the diameter of traditional implants and are often used to stabilize dentures or replace teeth in areas with limited space or bone density.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

When you lose a tooth, it can become difficult to chew and speak clearly. Left untreated, tooth loss can lead to shifting teeth, jawbone deterioration, changes in facial structure, and bite imbalances. These problems develop over time because there is no longer a root to maintain bone health and alignment.

Dental implants help you overcome short-term challenges and prevent the long-term problems linked to tooth loss. They are the most effective method for treating tooth loss because they serve as an artificial root system for your new tooth. Benefits include:

• A natural look and feel that blends in with your smile
• The ability to eat your favorite foods without restriction
• Preservation of the jawbone and facial structure
• No need to alter healthy neighboring teeth, as with a traditional bridge
• No adhesives, slipping, or removing teeth at night, as with dentures
• A long-lasting solution that can last a lifetime with proper care

Ready to restore your smile? Call Taylor Brook Dental Associates at (207) 784-1577 to schedule your dental implant consultation. Ask about our financing options to make treatment fit your budget.

Dental Implants FAQs