Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but that doesn’t exclude your teeth from possible damage and loss. Damage and loss can be caused by chronic poor oral hygiene, a sports injury, or biting into a hard food. Fortunately, there are several tooth replacement options available. One durable solution is a dental implant.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is the most secure, natural-looking tooth replacement. A biocompatible screw-like rod is surgically placed through the gums into the jawbone. It bonds with the jawbone, providing an attachment point for a crown, bridge, or denture that goes on top.
Who Is a Dental Implant Candidate?
Replacing missing teeth can improve oral function while restoring the beautiful appearance of a complete smile. A patient interested in dental implants needs to have a healthy jawbone to support the implant. Sometimes a bone graft can be performed to add more density and strength to a deteriorated area. The patient should also commit to regularly visiting the dentist, maintaining a great oral hygiene routine every day, and avoiding tobacco products.
Overview of the Dental Implant Procedure
It takes several months to complete dental implant treatment, as there are several stages.
The first stage of the implant procedure is a consultation to make sure you are a good candidate and have enough jawbone density. Then, we can schedule your implant surgery. After placing the implant, we need to allow the area to heal for many weeks so it can fuse with the surrounding bone. Once the implant is securely integrated into the jawbone, a restoration can be connected to the top.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
At River Stone Dental Center, our team can help you decide whether dental implants or a different tooth replacement solution is the right option for your unique needs, lifestyle, and budget. Please contact us today to schedule a consultation!
Dental implant image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0
