subject: Get Long Lasting Tooth Replacement With Dental Implants [print this page] Whether lost to injury or tooth decay, a lost tooth can be a very stressful event. Thankfully, there are a few different options that your dentist can use to effectively and completely replace your missing tooth. The most permanent option available to you is the installation of a dental implant. A dental implant is a replacement tooth root that is inserted directly into the bone socket of your missing tooth. The implant is attached directly to your jawbone. If you are in need of a tooth replacement procedure, make sure to talk to your dentist about dental implants.
How Implants Are Installed
The first step in getting implants installed is to have a conversation with your dentist to go over your options and make sure that you are a candidate for dental implants. To receive an implant, you need to have enough gum material and jawbone to support the implant. Your dentist will also be able to talk to you about costs and insurance information. Once you and your dentist have decided that implants are the correct option for you, he or she will begin the procedure by anesthetizing the area and attaching the titanium implant directly to your jawbone. After it is installed, you will need to wait between 6 and 12 days for your gums to heal around the implant, further securing it in place. Once your gums have totally healed, your dentist will attach a small connector post to your implant. He or she will then take an impression of the area around the missing tooth in order to create a replacement crown that will fit perfectly with the rest of your teeth.
Once the crown arrives from the dental lab, your dentist will do a final check to make sure that the fit and coloring are correct. If they are, he or she will attach it directly to the connector post and the process will be complete. After this, you will be free to leave your dentist's office and start fully enjoying your new and improved smile.
The Benefits Of Dental Implants
The biggest benefit of getting dental implants installed is that they are the most permanent option available to you. Once they are installed, they literally become a permanent part of your mouth. With the proper care, it is not unusual for a dental implant to last as long as 25 years or even an entire lifetime. To take care of the implant, you only need to brush, floss and see your Lexington dentist for regular checkups. This is much less work than is required for dentures, where you need to disinfect them every night. In addition, implants are less invasive than a dental bridge procedure, where a significant amount of healthy tooth material must be removed.
To learn more about dental implants or to schedule an appointment, contact your Lexington, KY dentist today.
