When you’ve experienced tooth loss, you’re missing more than just the part that shows when you smile. You’ve also lost the tooth’s supporting root. Left without a replacement, the missing dental structure leads to a deteriorating jawbone as well as difficulty eating, speaking, and smiling with confidence. Fortunately, dental implants in Lacey provide a wonderful solution for restoring your smile. But what are dental implants? And what makes them better than other options in tooth replacement? Keep reading to learn more about implant dentistry from your dentist at Peterson & Cammack Dentistry!
What Is A Dental Implant?
A tiny titanium cylinder, the dental implant is surgically placed beneath the jawline to act as a prosthetic root for the replacement device — a crown, bridge, or full or partial denture — that sits on top.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Because no other option gives you back your tooth’s root as well as its crown, nothing replaces a missing tooth better than dental implants. Replacing the root structure is key — without it, the jawbone will slowly degenerate due to a lack of stimulation. That degeneration leads to a loss of facial volume and even more tooth loss later on.
In addition to improving oral health, the advantages of dental implants include:
- No need for denture adhesives
- Freedom from the stress and discomfort of an ill-fitting device
- Properly maintained dental implants can last a lifetime
Considering their health benefits and the fact that they last longer than any other method, most patients decide dental implants are the best investment they can make in tooth replacement.
What Does the Dental Implant Procedure Involve?
The treatment for dental implants is completed in two major phases: implantation and restoration.
The implantation of your dental implants involves surgically placing them beneath the gumline, where they will gradually fuse with your jawbone in a process known as osseointegration. It may take up to eight months for your dental implants to integrate with your jaw, but this period is necessary to provide the permanent tooth replacement with unmatched stability. A temporary replacement device is worn during the recovery.
The restoration of the dental implants comes after osseointegration is complete and a connecting abutment has been placed on the top of each dental implant. Your implant dentist in Lacey will take take measurements for the creation of your permanent tooth replacement. Once your crown, bridge, or denture has been prepared and placed, the treatment is complete and you’re able to enjoy your new, beautiful smile!
Am I A Candidate for Dental Implants?
Would you like to begin your tooth replacement with dental implants? Most people are good candidates for this method — but the only way to know for sure is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Successful dental implants need plenty of supporting jawbone structure for proper anchoring. Bone augmentation procedures can increase eligibility for dental implants. Additionally, patients should be able to heal from invasive procedures to be considered for dental implants.
If you’re interested in discussing your options with implant dentistry in Lacey, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Peterson and Cammack Dentistry. Request your appointment online today!