subject: Lost A Tooth? Replace It Using Dental Implants [print this page] In the past, a lost tooth was a major problem for patients. A dental bridge or dentures used to be the only options to replace a missing tooth. However, the past few decades have seen dental implants become a viable alternative to these methods. A dental implant is a replacement tooth root that is inserted into the bone socket of a missing tooth and attached directly to the jawbone. After it is installed, it acts as an anchor for a replacement crown that is attached to the implant. If you are in need of a tooth replacement procedure, don't hesitate to talk to your dentist about dental implants.
How Implants Are Installed
The first thing you should do if you are considering getting a tooth replaced is to have a conversation with your dentist to go over your options and see if you are a candidate for dental implants. To receive dental implants, you need to have enough gum and jawbone material to support the implant. Once you and your dentist have decided that dental implants are the right option for you, he or she will begin the procedure by anesthetizing the area around your tooth and inserting the titanium implant directly into your bone socket. After the implant is securely attached to your jawbone, you will need to wait between six and twelve weeks for your gums to heal. During this time, they will heal around the implant, further securing it to your jaw. When your gums have fully healed, your dentist will then attach a small connector post to the implant. He or she will then take an impression of the area in order to create a replacement crown that will fit perfectly with the rest of your teeth.
Once the crown is ready, your dentist will do a final check to make sure it fits correctly with your bite and the coloring is correct. If it is, he or she will attach it directly to the implant and the process will be complete.
The Benefits Of Dental Implants
The most significant benefit to dental implants is that they will last for a long time. Once they are installed, they become a part of your mouth. With the proper care, they can last as long as 25 years or in some cases an entire lifetime. In addition, dental implants require no extra cleaning or maintenance then normal brushing and flossing. This contrasts with the responsibilities you have if you wear dentures, which require daily cleaning. In addition, an implant procedure is less invasive than a bridge procedure, where a significant portion of your teeth must be removed.
To learn more about dental implants or to schedule an appointment, contact your Peachtree City dentist today.
