subject: What You Should Know About Dental Implants [print this page] Losing a tooth can be a very stressful eventLosing a tooth can be a very stressful event. However, in situations like these it is important for you to not panic. Thanks to advances in dental technology through the years, your dentist now has several options to effectively replace a lost tooth. The most recent development and the longest lasting option is through the use of a dental implant. A dental implant is a replacement tooth root that is installed into the bone socket of a missing tooth and directly attached to your jawbone. Once an implant is put in, it will act as an anchor for a replacement crown. Don't hesitate to talk to your Chattanooga dentist about dental implants if you are in need of a tooth replacement procedure.
How An Implant Is Installed
The first thing you should do, like in any dental procedure, is to have a conversation with your dentist to go over your options and see if you are a candidate for dental implants. To get an implant put in, you need to have enough gum and bone material to support it. He or she will also be able to discuss costs and financing options with you. Once you and your dentist have decided that an implant is the best option for you, he will begin by anesthetizing the area and securely attaching the implant to your jawbone. Once the titanium implant is in place, you will need to wait between six and twelve weeks for your gums to heal around the implant.
Once the healing process is complete, your dentist will attach a small connector post to the implant. An impression is then taken of the area in order to create a crown that will fit in perfectly with the rest of your teeth. After the permanent crown is ready, your dentist will do a final check for fit and coloring and then attach the crown to the connector post. When this is complete, the procedure will be finished and you will be free to leave the office and start enjoying your fully restored smile.
The Advantages Of Dental Implants
The most important benefit of dental implants is that they are the longest lasting option available to you. When your dentist puts a dental implant in, it will become a functional part of your mouth. Because of this, a dental implant can last 25 years or in some cases an entire lifetime. To take care of your implant, you simply need to brush, floss and regularly visit your Chattanooga dentist. This is a contrast to the experience you have with dentures, which require regular cleaning every day.
To learn more about dental implants or to schedule an appointment, contact your dentist in Chattanooga today.
