It sounds a little scary, but a dental implant surgery can be an incredibly effective procedure for people who have lost teeth and want the security and aesthetics of having their smile back after losing a tooth or teeth. Let’s learn about dental implants, how they work, and how to care for them after completing the dental implant process.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a replacement for the root or roots of a tooth. The implant is secured in your jawbone and utterly invisible to people when you smile. The implants are then used to secure crowns, bridgework, or dentures. Dental implants restore the mouth to optimal function, stabilizing the bone, tissues, and teeth by supporting the tooth’s root structure. At Cakmes Dental Studio, we provide both Implant Crowns and Implant Supported Dentures.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
If you’ve lost teeth, you might be a candidate for dental implants. Other important considerations are that you have adequate bone to secure the implants, have healthy oral tissue, and don’t have any health conditions that would affect bone healing.
What is the process for dental implants?
The first step in the dental implant procedure is preparing the site, where the implant is put in the bone and covered with a healing cap. While it heals, we can put in a temporary tooth to fill in the space and preserve the look of your healthy smile. Then the crown or dentures are secured in place once the bone has healed (osseointegration). Your tooth and your smile are now restored to optimal shape and function. Note that these steps and the procedure in their entirety often require multiple appointments.
How do I care for my dental implant?
It’s crucial, as it is with all dental procedures, to continue practicing excellent oral hygiene. Keep your implants and natural teeth and gums clean. Also, keep your regular dental appointments, cleanings, and checkups to ensure the proper functioning of your implants. Finally, avoid bad dental habits like chewing on ice or hard candy or staining your teeth with products like tobacco and caffeine.
The primary benefit of implants is creating excellent support for your new teeth because the bone has healed tightly around the implant. If you have lost teeth and are interested in restoring your smile with dental implants, contact us to learn more about our implant process or call us at (865) 584-6163 to schedule an appointment.