subject: Dental Implants Offer The Most Permanent Tooth Replacement Solution [print this page] In the past, losing a tooth meant that to restore your tooth, you needed to get a dental bridge installed or get fitted for dentures. Thanks to increases in dental technology, today you are also able to get a dental implant installed. A dental implant is a replacement tooth root that is attached directly to your jawbone and holds a replacement tooth in place. Once the implant is installed, it will be a part of your mouth and will last a very long time. If you are in need of a tooth replacement procedure, make sure to talk to your dentist about dental implants.
How Are Implants Installed?
The first thing to do if you need a tooth replacement is to talk to your dentist and go over your options and see if you are a candidate for dental implants. To receive implants, you need to have enough jawbone and gum material to effectively support the implant. Once you and your dentist have decided that a dental implant is the right option for you, he or she will begin the process by anesthetizing the area and placing the titanium implant into the bone socket of the missing tooth. After he or she securely fastens the implant to your jawbone, you will then need to let the area heal for between six and twelve weeks. During this time, your gum will heal around the implant and help to secure it in place.
After the healing process is over, your dentist will attach a small connector post to the implant. Next, he or she will take an impression of the area around the tooth in order to create a replacement crown that will fit in perfectly with your existing teeth. Once the crown arrives from the dental lab, your dentist will then attach it to the connector post. If everything fits correctly, the procedure will then be complete and you will be free to leave the office and start fully enjoying your new and improved smile.
The Benefits Of Dental Implants
Because implants are attached directly to your jawbone, they become close to a permanent part of your mouth. If you take proper care of your oral health, it is not uncommon for implants to last as long as 25 years or more. In addition, since implants are attached to your mouth, you will not have to take them out to clean as you would with dentures. And when compared to dental bridges, a dental implant is a much less invasive procedure. A bridge requires your dentist to remove a large amount of tooth material to fashion crowns to hold a bridge in place. Because a dental implant is attached to your jawbone, you do not have to lose any part of your teeth.
To learn more about dental implants or to schedule an appointment, contact your Grand Rapids dentist today.
