Dental implants are a type of prosthodontics treatment. That is, they help to provide a solution for missing teeth. If you have lost one or more teeth, you may hate that gap in your smile. Implants can solve this. They are a type of oral surgery, but this does not have to be something that is too worrisome to you. At Lovett Dental Vintage Park, we offer a range of options to help you.
Lovett Dental Vintage Park is an excellent option for those who want to care for their dental health. We offer a variety of general, cosmetic, and specialty dentistry options, all of which can help our patients maintain or improve their smiles. Dental implants are one option that may improve your smile. To make your first appointment or to ask any questions you may have surrounding dental implants, please contact Lovett Dental Vintage Park by calling 832-843-6776 or using our convenient online form.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are placed during oral surgery. During this procedure, you will be sedated and will not feel pain. We will then work to open up spaces where the tooth should sit and insert the dental implant into the bone present. The bone then works to fuse with the implant to create a strong bond. This process does not take long, but it is a surgical procedure.
When we add dental implants into the bone, they will remain there for a bit to heal before we can add the abutment, which is an attachment to it. This attachment then holds a crown or another prosthodontics application in place. This creates a natural-looking tooth that is very secure and strong. It works and feels just like a natural tooth.
What Happens If the Bone Is Bad?
One of the concerns during the implementation process for dental implants is the overall health of the bone. To hold the implant in place, we need there to be enough healthy and strong bone present. Sometimes, this is not the case. We may use bone grafting to help improve the quality of the bone. During this process, we remove a portion of bone from another area of your body to place it into this area. We also have alternatives to natural bones that can be used. This may make the oral surgery procedure take a bit longer, but it is still very safe.
Is Oral Surgery Safe?
The procedure itself is safe. Yet, there are potential risks that can occur. Our goal is to provide you with a full understanding of what those risks are before the procedure. You will learn about the risks of using anesthesia, infection, and other concerns as they apply to you. As noted, this is a very safe procedure for most people.
Why Use Implants?
As one of the most effective teeth replacement options available, implants can work very well in the long term. They are strong enough to allow you to have an effective bite.
Furthermore, they can give you a natural-looking smile you can feel good about. They tend to be more comfortable and natural-looking than dentures, too. One of the most significant benefits of dental implants is that they allow you to chew food in the most natural way possible. In fact, experts say that most patients can’t determine the difference between an implanted tooth and their natural teeth. As long as you brush and floss regularly and attend dental appointments, they can last for decades.
Additionally, dental implants can also prevent bone loss. When you are missing a tooth, the empty space within the jaw bone deteriorates because of the lack of stimulation. If you don’t fill that space within the first year of losing the tooth, the bone loses about 25% of the volume. As space continues to go unfilled, the bone loss will continue. Other advantages of implants include:
- Keeping teeth stable
- Preventing facial sagging
- Lowers the risk of gum disease
- Forestalling premature aging
The best way to determine whether you’re a good candidate for implants is to talk to your dentist at Lovett Dental Vintage Park.
Is It Right for You?
If you need teeth replacement or prosthodontics of any type, we encourage you to come in to see our team for a full consultation. We can talk about many of the solutions available for protecting your oral health. There are times when we can protect your teeth and avoid tooth extraction as well.
We offer a range of services to help you, including:
- Dental fillings and sealants
- Tooth extraction procedures
- Denture installation and care
- Dental implant specialists
- Periodontal disease treatment
Take a minute to consider your smile. Do you want to get rid of the damaged teeth and have a healthy-looking smile again? We can help you do that.
Explore Your Dental Options at Lovett Dental Vintage Park
Dental implants may be just what you need to restore your smile and help you to get long-lasting relief from dental pain. We encourage you to wait to make decisions about them. Instead, come in to speak to us about prosthodontics options in our office. Contact us by calling 832-843-6776 today to learn more.
