Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew and speak; they can also affect your self-confidence. Dental implants from Susan Kleier DMD can help. She and her team have provided quality general and cosmetic dental care to the Lexington, KY, community for over 25 years. In addition to providing services like teeth cleaning and dental implants, Dr. Kleier is dedicated to making sure her patients stay informed. Here, she’ll tell you what you need to know about implants.

Are Dental Implants Right For You?

Tooth loss can result from decay, injuries, accidents, or disease. If you have one or more teeth missing and are in relatively good health, implants—artificial teeth that are permanently placed in your jaw—may be the right solution for you. To determine whether they are, you’ll need to meet with your dentist. Make sure you mention any medical conditions or medications, since these can affect the results of the implant procedure.

The Implant Process

If you and your dentist decide dental implants are right for you, your oral health care provider will start the process by surgically installing the implant into your jawbone. The dental implant is a conical or cylindrical post made of titanium that will provide a stable base for the artificial teeth, which will be attached later. 

Once the implant has been inserted, it will fuse with your jawbone. The healing process can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months, but you will still be able to perform your everyday activities during this time. When you have completely healed and the dental implant has firmly bonded with your bone, a connector will be placed on top of the implant. This connector is used to attach the implant to the artificial tooth. If you have several teeth missing, a bridge or dentures containing multiple teeth will be connected to the implant.

Caring For The Implants

Your replacement teeth will look, feel, and work just like your natural teeth, and you should care for them as though they are. Brush at least twice a day and floss regularly. It’s especially important to clean your teeth after meals and brush on all sides of your dental implant. Don’t forget to visit your dentist for regular checkups, as these will benefit your natural teeth as well as help you maintain your implants.

Don’t let missing teeth affect your quality of life. Contact Susan Kleier DMD at (859) 225-1188 to find out how implants can improve your oral health and give you back your confidence. You can also learn more about her other dental care services when you visit her online.