Dentists encourage proper oral hygiene so you can enjoy your natural teeth as long as possible. The good news is that, if a tooth does go missing, your dental care provider will be able to restore your smile with a dental implant. Put simply, these prosthetics are designed to permanently and comfortably replace natural teeth. If you’re curious about your smile restoration options, here are a few important details to know about dental implants.  

A Simple Guide to Dental Implants

What Exactly Are Dental Implants?

Unlike crowns, veneers, and other prosthetics, dental implants are made to replace both the visible tooth and the root system. To accomplish this, this device consists of a small titanium post surgically positioned into the gum. The upper portion of the implant, a custom crown, is eventually attached to the post to provide a natural-looking smile and allow for secure, comfortable chewing.

Who’s a Candidate for Treatment?

Individuals who have lost one or more teeth can consider dental implants as a treatment option. But for the solution to succeed, the titanium posts must be able to fuse with the jawbone. If you have experienced jawbone deterioration, your mouth may not be able to support implants. In some cases, however, dentists can correct this issue with bone grafting.

If your jaw health isn’t appropriate for dental implants, there are many other alternative tooth replacement options you might consider, such as dentures and bridges.  

What Happens During Treatment?

During the first procedure, anesthesia is provided to block pain. A small incision is made in the gums. Next, the titanium post is inserted into the opening. Torque is applied to secure the post into place.

After this first procedure, it will take several weeks for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. Once that has occurred, you’ll return to the dentist so they can install a screw-retained crown over the post.

How Do You Care For Implants?

After the procedure, your dentist will provide you with special aftercare instructions to keep the surgical site clean and healthy—such as by rinsing with a salt solution and eating soft foods.  

Once the prosthetic is finished, however, you should care for it in the same way that you clean all your other teeth. Specifically, you should make sure to continue brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist for regular teeth cleanings.

Whether you’ve got a chipped tooth or are missing a few, Cherry Hill Dentistry is equipped to successfully restore your smile. Providing state-of-the-art prosthetic solutions, this Lincoln, NE, dentist can determine if dental implants, crowns, bridges, or veneers are right for your needs. Whatever the procedure, you can count on this team to provide friendly and gentle care that always places your comfort as a high priority. Visit this practice online to learn more about their capabilities or call (402) 488-2383 to schedule a convenient consultation.