Your smile says a lot about your personality and confidence.  That is one reason we offer dental implants to our patients.  A dental implant is an artificial tooth root (typically made of titanium) that is placed in your upper or lower arch that will anchor a crown. Dr. Firlik is an expert in dental implants and a great choice if you are a candidate for implants.

Dental implants are a permanent and appealing solution to replace missing or extracted teeth. They are better than other alternatives, such as bridges, because no additional teeth need to be altered to place the implant.

If you have lost a tooth, your first call should be to our office. Dr. Firlik will be able to determine whether a dental implant is an option. She has placed dental implants and crowns for many patients.  If you need an implant, her work will give you reason to smile with confidence.

Dental Implant Process

The entire implant process is performed over the course of a few months. The first part of the process is to install the implant itself, a titanium screw placed into healthy bone of your upper or lower arch.

In order to insert the implant, a tiny incision is made in the gum.  The implant is placed and the gums are closed with sutures.  In many cases, multiple implants can be placed at once.  The implant must be allowed approximately 3-6 months to heal. During this time, the jaw bone will form around the implant in a process called osseointegration. During this healing time Dr. Firlik can place what is known as a healing cap over the implant so that you can eat normally and maintain your esthetically appealingly appearance.

After the implant has healed, an implant abutment can be placed on the implant to serve as the base for the placement of a crown.  An impression of the abutment is then taken and used to create your permanent crown.  When the crown has been fabricated, Dr. Firlik will place it over the abutment.

You will experience a short period of time becoming comfortable with the new implant and crown.  Soon it will feel like one of your natural teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Your body is able to detect tooth loss and will absorb minerals from the tooth. At the same time, bone deterioration will contribute to further tooth loss and some facial distortion. When dental implants fuse to your bone, they mimic tooth roots and stop the deterioration process.  And because dental implants are embedded in your upper or lower arch, your teeth will not slip while you eat, talk, or smile.  With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Dental implants can support a single crown or an entire arch of artificial teeth.  At our office in Grand Rapids, MI we offer single tooth implants, All-on-4 dental implants, and implant-supported dentures. 

Are you a candidate for dental implants?  To be a candidate, the bone in your arches must have sufficient density to support the titanium implant. However, in some cases, where bone density has been lost, Dr. Firlik can restore density to your arch with a bone graft. You also must have good oral health and a strong immune system.

Dr. Firlik can restore your smile with dental implants.

To request an appointment, call Firlik Family Dentistry at (616) 361-0603.

---

Firlik Family Dentistry

6225 W River Dr NE
Belmont, MI 49306
(616) 361-0603

drfirlik@drfirlik.com

​Preventive Dentistry
Bonding & White Fillings
Dental Cleanings & Exams
Dental Sealants
Fluoride Treatment
Gum Disease Treatment

Cosmetic Dentistry
Inlays & Onlays
Porcelain Veneers
ZOOM! Teeth Whitening

Orthodontics
Invisalign
Orthotropics

Restorative Dentistry
All-On-4 Dental Implants
Dental Bridges
Dental Crowns
Dental Implants
Dentures

Additional Dentistry
Night Guards
Protective Mouth Guards
Sleep Apnea Treatment
TMJ Therapy (TMD Therapy)
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Dental Emergencies