What Dental Implants Are All About

There are many reasons why someone might need a dental implant. If a tooth is fractured and can not be saved, this can be one reason. Other reasons a tooth may be lost include severe bone loss and severe infection associated with the tooth. When a tooth has to be removed, it can change your bite alignment, thus altering the shape of your face. There are many options to choose from when replacing missing teeth and one of the most effective ways are dental implants

According to the American Dental Association, nearly 3 million people in the United States have dental implants and another 500,000 implants are placed each year. The main reason this procedure is so popular is the implanted teeth are designed to blend with your normal teeth giving your smile a natural look. In this blog post we are going to take a further look at dental implants and the procedure.

What are dental implants:

Technically speaking, dental implants are medical grade titanium or zirconia screws that replace the root of a tooth. These screws will act as the root of the tooth once the procedure has been completed. The patient’s bone grows around the dental implant and locks it into place. This will provide stability for the new restoration and prevent further bone loss.

Benefits of dental implants:

Patients that opt for dental implants, take advantage of all the benefits implants offer, including the fact that implants will last many years. According to the American Academy of Dental Implants there are a few benefits that outweigh the alternative procedures such as bridges and dentures.

• Built to last: when properly cared for, they can last many years to come.
• Look and feel great: implants function and fit very similar to a person’s natural tooth.
• Live confidently: fit securely so they do not slip, and your speech is more natural.
• Protect healthy teeth: dental implants are the only tooth replacement procedure that can prevent bone loss and stimulate bone growth.

The procedure:

Step 1: The dentist will place the implant into the patient’s jawbone.

Step 2: This next process, called osseointegration, can take a few weeks to a few months. This process in layman’s terms is when the bone grows around the implant. This part of the process needs to be fully completed before the next step so the implant is held in place and remains strong.

Step 3: Now is the time to place the crown on the implant. Your dentist will take an impression of the implant or take a scan of the implant and a lab will fabricate the crown. You will return a few weeks later so your dentist can place the crown on the implant.

Taking care of your implant is no different than taking care of your natural teeth. Make sure to practice good oral hygiene, and visit the dentist regularly. If you feel like your implant or crown restoration does not feel right, contact your dentist immediately.

At Downtown Franklin Family Dentistry, we pride ourselves in providing the best dental alternatives to make patients feel confident with their smile and the appearance of their teeth. If you are interested in seeing if you are a candidate for dental implants, schedule an appointment with Dr. Abrams, fill out our contact form, or give our office a call at 615-595-6111.