subject: Replace Your Missing Tooth With A Dental Implant And Crown [print this page] Whether losing a tooth to gradual decay over time or a sudden injury, it is important that your dentist be able to effectively replace the missing tooth. In the past, the only options you had was to have a dental bridge installed or to get fitted for dentures to replace your tooth. However, the past few decades have seen a dramatic increase in the use of dental implants to replace missing teeth. A dental implant is a replacement tooth root that is installed into the bone socket of your missing tooth and directly attached to your jawbone. Once it is installed, an implant will act as an anchor for a replacement crown that will be installed in your mouth. If you are in need of a tooth replacement procedure, be sure to talk to your Poughkeepsie dentist about dental implants.
How Implants Are Installed
The first step for you if you are considering dental implants is to have a consultation with your dentist. He or she will be able to go over your options with your and let you know if you are a candidate for veneers. To get veneers installed, you need to have enough bone and gum material to support the implant. Your dentist will also be able to go over cost and insurance information with you. Once you and your dentist have collaboratively decided that implants are the best option for you, he or she will begin the process by applying local anesthetic to the area and inserting the titanium implant into the bone socket of your missing tooth. Once the implant is secured to your jawbone, you will need to wait between six and twelve weeks for your gums to heal. During this time, your gums will heal around the implant, further securing it in place in your mouth.
After the healing process is complete, your dentist will attach a small connector post to the implant. He or she will then take detailed impressions of the area in order to create a crown that will fit in perfectly with your bite. Once the crown has arrived from the dental lab, your dentist will do a final check to make sure the fit and coloring are perfect. If they are, he or she will attach it directly to the connector post to complete the process. You will then be free to leave your dentist's office and start enjoying your fully restored smile.
The Benefits Of Dental Implants
The greatest benefit of dental implants is that they are the most permanent option available to you. Once an implant is installed, it is not unusual for it to last 25 years or even an entire lifetime. The implant becomes a functional part of your mouth after it is installed so you don't need to do any extra work to maintain it. Simply brushing, flossing and regularly visiting your dentist will be enough to keep your implant healthy.
To learn more about dental implants or to schedule an appointment, contact your Poughkeepsie dentist today.
