Dental implants are an ideal way to replace missing teeth. They look and feel like natural teeth and prevent bone deterioration in the jaw where the tooth root was once located.
To place an implant, the doctor must first examine the mouth and review medical and dental history. If the jawbone is too soft or thin, a bone graft can be performed to make it more solid for an implant.
Getting Started
Dental implants are a permanent solution for tooth loss that can restore both the function and appearance of missing teeth. They also offer numerous health benefits compared to other tooth replacement options like bridges or dentures.
The first step in getting a dental implant is to meet with your oral surgeon for a one-on-one consultation. This is the best time to ask any questions you may have about the procedure and to ensure that you are a good candidate for dental implants Magnolia Springs AL.
Your oral surgeon will assess your health and teeth, taking into account things like the amount of bone left in your jaw, your gum disease status, and any other conditions you have that could affect your ability to heal properly. They will then prepare a detailed treatment plan with an estimate of the time and cost of your dental implants. They will often use local anesthesia to make the procedure as comfortable as possible, but can also offer sedation if necessary.
Preparation
Dental implants are artificial tooth root replacements made of titanium, a biocompatible material that fuses with bone. A replacement tooth or teeth are then fixed to the implant. Implants restore the look, feel and function of natural teeth. They also help preserve facial structure and prevent bone deterioration in the jaw where missing teeth occur.
In some cases, before the actual implant surgery can take place, the dentist may need to perform a bone graft or other preparatory procedures. For example, if gum disease has eroded the jawbone, a bone graft can rebuild the site to make it suitable for an implant.
It is important to follow the dentist’s pre-operative instructions carefully. This will reduce your anxiety and ensure that you are well prepared for the procedure. It is also a good idea to have someone drive you home after the procedure, as the sedation used during the implant surgery can cause dizziness and disorientation.
Surgery
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants Magnolia Springs AL are the superior choice because they replace both the look and feel of a natural tooth. They are also a permanent solution that lasts for life when properly cared for. The first step is to discuss your options with a dentist in Foley, AL. Our team will help you determine the best size, type, and method of dental implant to meet your needs.
In preparation for surgery, our team will take panoramic x-rays or 3D CT scans to get a better understanding of the condition of your jaw bone and gum tissue. If there is insufficient bone mass, a bone graft can be done to increase the volume of healthy bone tissue.
The implant procedure itself usually takes 30 to 60 minutes for a single tooth and 2 to 3 hours for multiple implants. Patients may receive antibiotics and for added comfort, intravenous sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Once the healing process is complete, you’ll come back to our office for the placement of high-quality restorations.
Restorations
When the mouth heals, we can restore your dental implants with single crowns, bridges or full arches that look and feel like natural teeth. Implants are more durable than conventional dentures and can prevent the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
If the bone in your jaw has deteriorated as a result of tooth loss or gum disease, Robertsdale Dental Care can use tissue grafting to build up that area and prepare it for implants. We can also use the same technique to create a solid foundation for a bridge.
In some cases, we can place the implant at the same time as a tooth extraction. This simplifies your treatment and can reduce healing time. We can even use this approach in patients who are not candidates for other forms of tooth replacement. Our team will work with you to make sure that your implants provide a lifetime of superior function and aesthetics.
