subject: What You Should Know About Dental Implants And How They Can Improve Your Smile And Self-confidence [print this page] Whether it is caused by a sudden injury or years of decay, having a tooth knocked out or removed is never welcome news. If this ever happens to you, it is important that you realize that your dentist has the full capability to replace your tooth and restore your smile. He or she has several options to replace your lost tooth. The most permanent of which is through the use of dental implants. An implant is a replacement tooth root that is directly attached to your jawbone. Once put in, an implant acts as an anchor for a replacement dental crown. Talk to your Lincoln Park dentist about dental implants if you are ever in a situation where you need a tooth replacement.
How Dental Implants Are Put In
The first thing you need to do if you are considering a dental implant is to have a conversation with your dentist to go over your options and make sure you are a good candidate for implants. You need to have enough bone and gum material and a strong immune system to be a candidate. He or she will also be able to discuss costs and financing options with you. Once you and your dentist have decided that dental implants are the best option for you, he or she will then begin by anesthetizing the area and securely attaching the implant to your jawbone. After this, you will need to wait between six and twelve weeks for your gums to heal around the implant, further securing it into place.
After the healing process is complete, your dentist will attach a small connector post to your implant. An impression will then be taken of the area in order to create a dental crown that will fit in perfectly with the rest of your teeth. Once the crown is ready, your dentist will do a final check to make sure the fit and coloring are correct. If they are, he or she will use a special cement to permanently attach the crown. Once it is put in, it will both function and look like any of your natural teeth.
The Advantages Of Dental Implants
Once an implant is put in, it becomes a functional part of your mouth. Because of this, it will last a very long time. Implants can last as long as 25 years or in some cases an entire lifetime. This makes them your longest lasting option to replace a lost tooth. To take care of your implant, you just need to maintain good oral health. Brushing, flossing and regularly visiting your Lakeview dentist will keep your implant healthy and ensure that it lasts for a long time.
To learn more about dental implants or to schedule an appointment, contact your dentist in Lincoln Park today.
