Ever wish that you could have a long-lasting, realistic-looking, and easy-to-care-for tooth replacement? It’s possible with dental implants! Dental implants can give you your ability to speak, smile, and chew with confidence again—not to mention they also improve your jawbone health, which can deteriorate after losing teeth. They can even be used to stabilize dentures!
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a replacement tooth that consists of a titanium post and a restoration. This post functions as a replacement root while the restoration (oftentimes a dental crown) is what looks like a tooth.
First Consultation
The entire implant process can take up to six months, from the first consultation to the final result. During your first visit, your dentist or prosthodontist will take impressions of your teeth as well as X-rays. These are used to make models for your crown so that it fits correctly and looks realistic.
Implant Procedure
During the first part of the implant procedure, your dentist will make an incision into your gum and then insert the titanium rod into the bone. After the implant heals and fuses to your jawbone, you will return to your dentist for another visit where they will make an incision to expose the implant. They will place a temporary healing cap on top of the implant as well as a titanium piece called an abutment, which will connect the rod to a temporary crown that you will have for four to six weeks. Then, you will visit your dentist for a final time to receive your permanent crown.
Caring for a Dental Implant
Caring for a dental implant is easy, since you can treat it just as you would any other tooth! You are free to brush and floss it like normal. A well-cared-for dental implant can last for up to 25 years, so if you have ever dreamed about having a permanent, natural-looking replacement for missing teeth, a dental implant is a great choice for you. At Cary Family Dental, we’re happy to walk through the implant process and come up with the perfect plan to restore your smile. Contact us to schedule a consultation today!
For more information about our dental implants, visit our implants page.