Dental implants are false teeth that are held in place with titanium posts that are placed into your jawbone. The false tooth or crown is then attached to that post with an abutment or extension.
Dental implants are false teeth that are held in place with titanium posts that are placed into your jawbone. The false tooth or crown is then attached to that post with an abutment or extension.
Every year, almost 50 million Americans experience some form of tooth loss. Dentures have traditionally been the best option if you were in this situation. There have been recent technological advancements regarding different types of dental implants. Dental implants are becoming a common procedure that is performed if you have a missing tooth or missing teeth.
The warmhearted and conscientious staff at Northside Dental share a common philosophy and that is to treat you as a person first, as a patient second. We totally realize the value of your time, comfort, anxiety level, budget, and your lifestyle. We absolutely love working together with you in the development and implementation of your personalized dental treatment plan. We also consider our staff an important part of your overall health program team. Call us today at 317-848-9838 to schedule your appointment or stop in and say hi at 15026 Greyhound Ct. Carmel, IN 46032.
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The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer significant benefits for you including the following:
- Structural Integrity: By filling in gaps, dental implants not only help preserve the jawbone from atrophy, but they also significantly reduce the likelihood of infections developing. The titanium post, acting as a natural root, provides stability and delivers pressure sensations as well as temperature changes.
- Improved Aesthetics: Dental implants will improve the appearance of your smile as well as your jawline and prevent any changes in the shape of your face that can easily develop due to missing teeth.
- Your Oral Health: Patients who have dental implants placed have reported an improved ability and likelihood to brush and floss regularly, which then results in improved overall oral health.
- An Upgrade from Conventional Dentures: Because they are anchored in the jawbone, dental implants will not have to be removed, like dentures, which can improve your ability to chew foods and speak comfortably.
Dental implants can be a terrific option if you are looking for a long-term solution for your missing teeth.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The process of having a dental implant placed has several stages and will take more than one visit to Northside Dental and a few months to complete.
The first step may be to have a tooth extracted. This might be due to decay, or a level of damage to the tooth that is irreparable. From there, we must look at your jawbone, and see if the bone density can support an implant. This most likely requires x-rays, or additional special imaging to check the bone condition in three dimensions.
Once we have agreed that we have bone density and you are indeed an implant candidate, we will administer a local anesthetic to numb the immediate area. We will surgically place the titanium implant into your jawbone and suture the site closed. The implant needs several months to integrate or fuse to the bone. The next step is to add an abutment or extension to the post to reach the surface of your gums. Finally, we place the crown or artificial tooth on to the abutment and your dental implant procedure is completed.
The Difference Between a Dental Implant and a Dental Bridge
Whether you choose a dental implant, or a dental bridge can be based on a few different factors. The most important factor is whether your jawbone can support a dental implant. The process of placing the titanium post involves drilling a screw into your jawbone, and if your jawbone has suffered too much atrophy or is not able to support the post, then a dental implant may not be a viable option. Or, you might be adding bone grafting into your procedure. At this point a dental bridge may be your best alternative.
Another consideration is cost. While dental implants generally last longer, they are a more expensive solution. How long your implant will last in comparison to a dental bridge should be taken into consideration when considering the extended costs of the procedures.
Proper Care Will Improves the Longevity of Your Dental Implant
Following your dental implant procedure, it is necessary to plan on the healing process taking a few weeks. We will recommend that you stick to a soft-food diet and gradually reintroduce harder foods as sensitivity and tenderness diminishes. Once your implant has fully healed, the most important thing to do to preserve the integrity of the implant is to practice good oral hygiene habits every day.
Brush twice daily at a minimum and practice proper brushing technique. In addition to brushing regularly, it is also important to make your brushing effective. Your team at Northside Dental will be happy to answer any questions you may have about proper brushing techniques.
You also need to floss daily. If you tend to avoid flossing, you may want to consider flossing alternatives, such as interdental brushes or floss picks.
It is wise to be mindful of your diet. You can prevent dental issues from developing if you avoid foods that are sugary or high in starch. If you enjoy drinking soda or sugary beverages, try to use a straw to limit the exposure of sugar to your teeth. It is also beneficial to swish your mouth with water following meals.
Continue to schedule consistent and regular dental exams. Unchecked dental issues will escalate and quickly result in problems that could have been avoided, which is why it is so important to visit Northside Dental every six months. In addition to an exam and providing a deep clean for your teeth and diagnosing any potential issues before they progress, these regular checkups also allow us to monitor the status of your implant.
Your Comfort and Your Care
Your proactive and preventive dental care is part of the big difference when choosing Northside Dental. Our entire office understands how inconvenient it is to visit the dentist. That is why we do our best to schedule your dental appointments when it is most convenient for you. We also focus on working together efficiently to ensure your appointment goes both quickly and smoothly. Our team goal is quite simple, that is to be accepted as your family dentist. We always look forward to the opportunity to help you and your children maintain your oral health with solid preventative care. As you enter our clinic, we will welcome you and earn your trust. Call us today at 317-848-9838 to schedule your appointment or stop in and say hi at 15026 Greyhound Ct. Carmel, IN 46032.