26 Jul What are the first steps when considering dental implants?
Tooth loss is difficult to accept at any age. Older adults may believe tooth loss is a natural part of the aging process, but that is not true. We need our teeth to chew properly, speak clearly, and smile without embarrassment. Dental implants offer a permanent and ideal solution for replacing one or more teeth lost due to trauma, infection, or disease.
Getting Started with Dental Implants
The first step is to schedule a consultation with an implant dentist. During the consultation, a conversation about your overall health followed by an extensive dental exam will occur. Dental x-rays will be used to determine bone strength in the area where the implant is to be placed. Insufficient bone does not exclude you … bone augmentation procedures are available, if needed. Smoking and all tobacco products are strongly discouraged as their use can lead to dental implant failure.
Once the requirement for bone has been satisfied, the implant will be surgically embedded in gum tissue where a tooth is needed. The implant itself is a small titanium post. As healing takes place, osseointegration will occur. This is the process where bone is grafting to the implant to provide the support needed when the cosmetic restoration is affixed.
When completely healed and the implant has sufficiently integrated, your dentist will finish the procedure by attaching an abutment to the implant and securing in your new tooth (or teeth). The cosmetic restoration has been fabricated to match neighboring teeth in every way so no one will be able to discern which is real or which is your implanted tooth.
Why a dental implant?
A dental implant is permanent. It will look and feel just like one of your biological teeth. You will be able to eat all your favorite foods, speak without fear of slippage or movement, and smile with self-confidence once all your teeth have been restored.
No special treatment is needed – you will brush and floss daily providing the same care for all your teeth. You should maintain regularly scheduled visits with your dentist to have teeth cleaned. During your exam, your dentist will make sure all is well with your dental implant.
To learn more about your tooth replacement options, schedule a consultation with our team at Aesthetic Dental Partners.