Dental implants are one of the most effective dental treatments for patients with missing teeth. A dental implant is an artificial tooth replacement that looks and feels natural. Dental implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth that do not require disruption of other teeth in the way that dental bridges do.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
A dental implant begins by placing a titanium screw into the jawbone. It then fuses with the bone, allowing for support of a dental crown. Because dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, they help to enhance your smile. Dental implants require adequate jawbone strength for them to work effectively. In some cases, patients may require bone grafting first in order to strengthen the jawbone to ensure proper support of their dental implants.
What to Expect
During your consultation, we will take x-rays to examine your teeth and bone density. We do this to ensure that your mouth is healthy enough to support dental implants. If it looks like you may need additional bone density added to your jawbone, we will discuss treatment options with you in order to strengthen it.
If jawbone treatment is needed first, then thorough healing must occur before we can begin placement of any dental implants. Once your jawbone is ready, we can begin placing the dental implants. This is done by inserting a titanium screw directly into the jawbone. Once the titanium screws bond with your jawbone, we can then apply dental crowns to the abutment.
You will also receive anesthetic during the procedure. We may even recommend over-the-counter medications to help relieve any pain you might experience afterwards, as well. Dental implants need a few months of healing time before they are ready for placement of dental crowns. The entire dental implant process normally takes anywhere from 3-6 months, but can potentially take longer depending on if bone grafting is needed, along with any other treatments.
Please feel free to contact our Riverton dental office today to further discuss our dental implants procedure.
Do Dental Implants Hurt?
When properly inserted, dental implants should not hurt at all. We do provide sedation dentistry options for those who prefer throughout their treatment. We also use anesthetics during the procedure, to ensure our patients will only feel small vibrations, and mild pressure. Once the dental implants have healed, they should not cause any additional pain or discomfort.
How Long Will Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are considered long-term solutions. They should last an entire lifetime, as long as they are properly cared for. Dental implants do not get cavities, and they are much less susceptible to gum disease. However, the teeth that are attached to the implant will eventually need replacing. But the actual implants themselves will not need to be replaced.
Why Dental Implants?
Riverton Dental is here to help you with all of your dental implant questions! There are a number of different advantages that occur with dental implants, including the following:
- Unlike dental bridges or dentures, dental implants last much longer. They do not require replacing later down the line like their opponents eventually do.
- They provide a much more solid foundation than bridges or dentures, which do not support the jawbone’s structure or health. When the jawbone begins to deteriorate, it can cause the face to sink in as it continues to atrophy.
- Dental implants are comfortable because they are placed directly into the gums and jawbone, allowing the teeth to feel completely natural. Most patients forget that they even have dental implants, as they have become a part of their natural smile.
- Dental implants look natural. If you have been embarrassed by your smile in the past, dental implants can help to completely restore your smile. They allow for better eating, speaking, and help you to smile with confidence.
For more information about dental implants in Riverton, or to schedule a consultation for your dental implants, call Riverton Dental today at: (801) 446-8446.