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Miss your missing tooth? Dental implants could help.

Find out whether they’re right for you!

A toothy grin is about health, happiness, and confidence! When tooth loss occurs, it can impact our self esteem — and certain functions like chewing.

Whether or not to replace a missing tooth (or two) is about how you feel about your smile. If you’re looking to recreate a tooth you’ve lost, dental implants can be a great solution.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about dental implants, including whether they’re right for you!

When are dental implants helpful?

If you’re experiencing tooth loss as a result of any of the following reasons, you could be a great candidate for implants!

Severe tooth decay — some teeth in this case can’t be adequately restored with fillings, root canals, or other treatments
Trauma — accidents or sports injuries can result in missing or damaged teeth
Gum disease — advanced periodontal disease can weaken tooth-supporting structures and necessitate extraction
Congenital absence — Some people are simply born with missing teeth!
Failed restorations — Where bridges or dentures are no longer effective, dental implants can provide a more stable long-term solution

What’s the process of getting an implant?

It starts with a chat to discover what’s right for you!

Consultation

Get in touch with a specialist in oral surgery for a consultation (like us!). During this session, we’ll assess your oral health, discuss your dental history, and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for dental implants.

If implants prove a great option for you, the process moves ahead to…

Treatment planning

X is for x-ray! We’ll take a few to see what we’re working with, as well as some scans of your mouth, and ask you to take some impressions of your teeth. These will enable us to create a highly customized treatment plan and mold your new tooth (or teeth) to your specific needs.

If your treatment plan involves replacing a tooth you haven’t lost yet, such as a tooth injured beyond repair, your next steps will need to involve an extraction of the tooth before the implant can be introduced.

Implant placement and healing

Beneath its pearly white, a dental implant is, at its core, a titanium post placed precisely into the jawbone. This post serves as an artificial tooth root, providing a strong foundation for the replacement tooth. The implant placement procedure can take about an hour, or a little longer if multiple posts are being implanted.

Following the procedure, there’s a healing period during which the bone gradually fuses with the implant. This process, known as osseointegration, is vital for ensuring the stability and longevity of the implant.

Abutment and crown placement

Once osseointegration is complete, an abutment will be attached to your implant. This serves as a connector between the implant and your replacement tooth!

Once that’s done, a custom-made crown — which looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth — will be attached to that abutment. This crown will be meticulously designed to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth! (So you’ll be glad for the scans and impressions.)

What are the advantages of getting dental implants?

We’re so glad you asked! Here are some of the top benefits:

Natural look and feel — As mentioned, dental implants closely resemble natural teeth in both appearance and function. They blend seamlessly into your smile!
Durability — Implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care, making them a long-term (and ultimately cost-effective) solution.
Jawbone preservation — Implants stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss, helping to maintain jawbone health over time!
Improved chewing and speech — Unlike removable dentures, implants allow for better chewing and clearer speech, enhancing your overall quality of life.
Enhanced self-esteem! — A restored smile can significantly boost your self-confidence and overall well-being. You’ll feel like yourself again!

Do I need to do anything to take care of them?

There are a few things you’ll want to do to ensure your implants take successfully:

Start by maintaining your regular dental routine with gentle daily brushing and flossing.
Be sure to continue your dental check-ups and cleanings as usual — this will be especially important now so your dentist can monitor the wellbeing of your implants over time
This one’s essential: don’t smoke. This can increase the risk of implant failure
If you grind your teeth at night, wear a nightguard to protect your implants and natural teeth from damage.

At the end of the day, only you can know if implants are right for you

They can be a great solution for restoring your smile to its former appearance! If you have any further questions or concerns about whether you may be a good candidate (or what other solutions might be available), give us a call! We’ll be happy to go over everything with you: 343-307-0688