Dental implant restorations are one way to replace that tooth without having to rely on a removable appliance.
Having a missing tooth can be frustrating, especially when it's in a place that's noticeable when you smile or talk. Depending on which tooth is missing, you might also have trouble chewing certain foods or find yourself favoring one side of your mouth. Dental implant restorations are one way to replace that tooth without having to rely on a removable appliance.
The process is a little different from getting a bridge or denture. A small titanium post is placed in your jawbone to take the place of the missing tooth root. The bone needs time to heal around this post before the final restoration can be attached. Once the implant is stable, a connecting piece and a dental crown are fitted to it. The crown is made to resemble your other teeth, both in its shape and color.
There are practical reasons to replace a missing tooth, too. Leaving a gap can sometimes allow neighboring teeth to move out of position, which may eventually affect your bite. And if you've been avoiding certain foods because chewing is uncomfortable, replacing that tooth could make eating easier again. For many patients, there's also the relief of being able to smile without worrying about the empty space.
Before deciding on an implant restoration, we'll need to examine your mouth and see what kind of support is available in your jawbone. Your gum health and the condition of your remaining teeth matter as well. At Northside Dental, we'll go over what we find, talk about the different ways your tooth could be replaced, and discuss the treatment involved. We also want you to know what to expect in terms of appointments, recovery, and cost.
To arrange a dental implant consultation, give Northside Dental a call at 317-342-9446. Our office is located at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.
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The Benefits of Dental Implant Restoration
Dental implant restoration can provide a solution for you if you are plagued by missing teeth and would prefer not to wear dentures. After you investigate the process and the benefits associated with dental implant restoration at Northside Dental, you may choose to undergo this implant restoration procedure. When you discover the number of benefits of a dental implant restoration, you most likely will invest in this permanent solution. Here are some of the many benefits of dental implant restoration over alternative options, such as traditional dentures.
- A dental implant restoration is a permanent way to replace teeth.
- Your speech is improved.
- Your ability to eat and chew what you wish is professionally restored.
- Your facial features are more refined when your teeth are restored.
- The teeth are held in place and do not shift.
Proper Care of Your Dental Implant Restoration
If you have undergone dental implant restoration, you will want to do everything possible to ensure the longevity of your new implant. You can provide excellent care for yourself at home by committing to a strict dental hygiene regimen. Implants, no different than any natural tooth, must be kept clean and free of bacteria as a means of preventing an infection around the implant.
With proper care, dental implant restorations can last a lifetime. The key to ensuring this longevity is using professional maintenance techniques at home.
- Your implants must be cleaned and flossed at least twice a day.
- Always clean your implants after eating.
- Use a non-abrasive, smaller toothbrush.
- Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash.
- A water flosser is a terrific recommendation for dental implants.
- Consider using an electric toothbrush with soft bristles.
The Dental Implant Restoration Process
The dental implant restoration process is usually a two-step or three-step process. The length of time required for an implant restoration will vary with you and the number of required implants. It will also depend on whether we need to extract other teeth before the implants can be placed. A single tooth implant usually requires at least one or two hours to complete.
After we have determined that your jawbone has the density to support the implant, we will begin the process by administering a local anesthetic to the surgical site. We then gain access to the jawbone with a small incision. The titanium post is then surgically placed in the jawbone, and we finish this step by suturing the surgical site closed. This can be done in either the upper or lower arch.
A waiting period of several months is necessary for the implant to integrate itself into the bone. As the post fuses to the jawbone, it will deliver the strength and stability of a natural root. A second small surgery places an abutment or extension on the titanium post to reach the surface of the gums. Once again, it will take several weeks for the soft tissue to heal. The purpose of placing the abutment or extension on the implant is to assist in holding the new crown in place.
Northside Dental may find it difficult from time to time to make a single implant crown fit perfectly with the natural teeth because of possible space issues. An implant abutment and crown are placed on the implant with special tools that screw it in and tighten it. We can sometimes use a technique to place the dental implant and crown at the same time. The traditional method though is to require at adequate time between placing the dental implant and crown to ensure stability.
Your Comfort and Your Care
At Northside Dental, we know that finding time for dental appointments can be difficult, especially when you have a busy schedule. We do our best to offer convenient appointment times and make each visit as comfortable and efficient as possible. Whether you're coming in for routine care or a specific dental concern, our team is here to help you get the treatment you need. We want to be a dental office that you and your family can rely on for years to come, and we look forward to welcoming you into our practice. Call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 to schedule an appointment, or visit us at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.