subject: What You Should Know About Dental Implants And How They Can Improve Your Smile [print this page] Losing a tooth can be a very stressful eventLosing a tooth can be a very stressful event. Whether it is caused by a sudden injury or years of decay, you will want to know that your smile will be fully restored. Thanks to modern dental techniques, your dentist has the capability to give you a perfect smile again. In fact, he or she has several effective options to do just that. The longest lasting of these options consists of using a technology called dental implants. Implants are replacement tooth roots that are directly attached to your jawbone. Once an implant is put in, it acts as an anchor for a replacement dental crown. If you are in a situation where you are in need of a replacement tooth, don't hesitate to talk to your Dallas dentist about dental implants.
How Dental Implants Are Put In
The first thing you should do if you are thinking about dental implants is to have a conversation with your dentist to go over your options and see if you are a good candidate for implants. To get an implant, you need to have enough bone and gum material to effectively support it. Your dentist will also be able to talk to you about costs and insurance information. Once you and your dentist have made the collaborative decision to receive dental implants, he or she will begin the process by anesthetizing the area and securely attaching the implant directly to your jawbone. Once the implant is put in, you will need to wait between six and twelve weeks for your gums to heal around the implant.
Once the healing process is finished, your dentist will attach a small connector post to the implant. He or she will take an impression of the area in order to create a dental crown that will fit in perfectly to your bite. Once the crown is created, your dentist will do a final check to make sure the fit and coloring are correct. If they are, he or she will then attach the crown to the connector post to complete the process. You are then free to walk out of your dentist's office and start fully enjoying your fully restored smile.
Advantages Of Dental Implants
The biggest advantage of dental implants is that they are the longest lasting option for tooth replacement that you have. When they are put in, they become a functional part of your mouth. Because of this, a dental implant can last for 25 years or an entire lifetime in some cases. To take care of your dental implant, you simply need to brush and floss your teeth daily as well as see your dentist biannually to make sure your oral health is maintained.
To learn more about dental implants or to schedule an appointment, contact your Dallas dentist today.