Dealing with missing teeth: What you need to know about dental implant
Having missing teeth is not only detrimental to your appearance, it can get in the way of activities such as eating and speaking. If the teeth are near the front of your mouth, you may be hesitant to smile in social situations. Fortunately, with implant dentistry you can restore the look and function of your mouth. The placement of a dental implant can also serve to preserve the alignment of your teeth and prevent the jaw bone from shrinking.
A dental implant consist of an artificial root made of titanium metal. The metal root is implanted into the gum line where the missing tooth used to be. Dental implants are usually done in about two or three visits. During the first visit, the dentist will place the dental implant into the jawbone beneath the gum tissue. Stitches will be given to close up the gum line. During the healing time,, the implant will bond to the bone and surrounding tissues. Healing time can range from a few weeks to a few months.
Once the gums have healed and the implant is securely bonded to the jawbone, a prosthetic tooth will be created in a lab for the patient to be affixed to the metal post. The prosthetic tooth is fashioned such that it mimics the appearance of a natural tooth and blends in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. Dental implants look and feel like real teeth, and many patients have had their smiles completely transformed by implant dentistry.
Dental implants are generally an appropriate treatment for any patient who is in good health and is missing one or more teeth. Healing times do vary, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes may cause the healing process to be prolonged. Dental implants are considered a safe and effective procedure aimed at restoring the appearance and function of the mouth.
Following the procedure, your dentist will give you careful instructions on how to care for your dental implant. Generally speaking, since implants so closely mimic natural teeth, they need to be cleaned in much the same way. Regular brushing and flossing as well as dental check-ups with ensure that your implants remain intact and firmly in place.
Dental implants provide a permanent solution to missing teeth or as a replacement for teeth that are damaged beyond repair due to deep decay, gum disease or a dental trauma. If you are missing teeth, contact us to set up an appointment with Dr. Boisson to discuss whether dental implants might be right for you.