Implants are a wonderful way to replace a missing tooth within the mouth. When you’re missing a tooth, there are only a few ways to successfully replace what is missing. Implants are made of titanium, so they are durable and long-lasting. Most implants can easily last for three to four decades or longer, so they’re a permanent solution to many of your dental problems.
What are Dental Implants?
Implants are metal rods that are surgically placed inside the jawbone. Over the course of a few months, the implants will actually fuse with the bone and become an integral part of your smile. Once fused, we can place a crown, bridge or even overdenture on top of the implant. The implant itself will never need to be repaired or replaced unless severely damaged or compromised, but the restoration that is placed over the denture will have an average life expectancy.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most patients who want and need implants can safely have them placed. You should have enough healthy bone structure in the area where the implant is going to be placed. If you have bone loss in the area where the implant is needed, we will recommend having a bone grafting done prior to implant surgery. You should also be healthy enough to undergo oral surgery and have the ability to heal fully once the surgery is complete. Implants require multiple visits to successfully place, and we will have to keep checking the implant while it’s healing to ensure that it is in place correctly.
Understanding the Implant Process and Procedure
The procedure itself is easy and straightforward, and it’s a lot less complicated than some people think. First, we make an incision through the gums to place the actual titanium implant. Once placed, you’ll come in every few weeks so that we can check it while it heals. Once the implant has successfully integrated with the surrounding bone, we can make a restoration, like a crown or bridge, to place on top of it. You will love the way that your new implant functions and how full and healthy your smile looks from the work that was done.
If you are interested in having an implant placed and want to know more about the procedure, call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly staff members.