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The dentist inserts a titanium post into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong foundation for artificial teeth. .

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a permanent restoration that looks and functions like a natural tooth. An implant consists of a post that is placed directly into the jaw bone. This post then fuses with the bone over time, creating a bond that provides unmatched stability for the restoration. Once the area has healed, an abutment will be attached to the top of the implant post to hold a dental crown securely in place over the implant. This creates a beautiful tooth replacement that is designed to last for many years with proper care.

Dental implants feel like natural teeth

Have you ever known someone who had dentures and struggled to chew their food, or who even had to stop eating their favorite foods altogether because they couldn’t get their teeth to chew them properly? Those troubles can become a thing of the past with dental implants.

The implant itself replaces your missing tooth’s root in a socket in your jaw. Then a crown goes on top to replace the visible portion of the tooth. Once it’s in place, you’ll only feel it when you bite down hard. Plus, the dental implant has the unique ability to fuse to your jawbone tissue over time, meaning it won’t slip around in your mouth like partials or dentures can, which can lead to gum irritation and other discomforts. It can even help to prevent bone loss after teeth have been extracted or lost due to decay or disease.

With the right dental care routine of brushing and flossing daily and regular dental checkups for maintenance, you can look forward to eating meals without pain or embarrassment for years to come. You can also say goodbye to the hassle of removing and cleaning removable appliances every night before bed! To discuss your dental implant options with our skilled team, call today to schedule an appointment!

Dr. Clark Damon earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in Baltimore and completed his general practice residency at the VA Medical Center in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He is an active member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. To stay abreast of the latest advances in dentistry, he completes many hours of continuing education each year. Services include cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, bridges, and more. Call to schedule your next visit with Dr. Damon. Bio: Dr. Clark

Dental implants are durable

Durability is one of the biggest benefits of the dental implant. On average, these implants will last for 20 years or more! Traditional dentures usually only last between 5 and 10 years. Additionally, they eliminate the need for messy adhesive pastes. This works well for both your health and your self-confidence. In the long run, you’ll save time and money on replacement appliances with dental implants.

Another benefit of choosing dental implants over traditional tooth replacements is their flexibility. These restorations will look and feel like your natural teeth. In fact, no one will even notice that you’re wearing them! Plus, unlike bridgework, you don’t need to alter your surrounding teeth in order to place the implant. Simply place it on top and let it fuse with the jawbone over time.

Your tooth replacement options

Your dentist may recommend dental implants if you have one or more missing teeth. This is because implants are the only permanent solution available for replacing missing teeth. Other treatments only offer temporary solutions, such as partial dentures and bridges. Implants can last you a lifetime. They are designed to function much like your natural teeth would – allowing you to eat whatever you want and speak comfortably. And unlike bridges and partial dentures that may need to be removed for cleaning and maintenance, dental implants stay in your mouth and are cared for just like your natural teeth would be.

But implants aren’t just a great solution for missing teeth. They are also used to hold crowns and bridges in place, providing a sturdy foundation for these restorations. They can also be used to stabilize a lower denture as well.

Getting dental implants is a multi-step process that can take several months from start to finish. The implant itself is a tiny post made of titanium that is surgically placed into the jawbone where it acts as a new root for a missing tooth. Once the implant is placed, your dentist will attach a connector called an abutment to the implant. Once your gums have healed after the placement procedure, you’ll return to our office where we’ll fit the dental implant with a crown, bridge, or other restoration to complete the process.

While the cost of dental implants may be higher than other options for tooth replacement, they can last a lifetime and offer the most natural looking and feeling option available. To learn more about dental implants and whether or not they’re right for you, call our office today to schedule a consultation.

Author Bio

Dr. Brett Langston is a general dentist offering family dental care for patients of all ages in Greenville, South Carolina and surrounding areas. He provides a wide range of dental services including preventive dentistry, custom mouthguards, dental crowns, tooth extractions, root canal therapy, and more. Dr. Langston earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine

Dental implant procedure explained

Dental implants are titanium screws that are surgically placed in the jawbone to act as a tooth’s root and attach to the bone beneath the gums. The dental implant is then restored with a dental crown, bridge, or another restoration. As the dental implant becomes fused to the jawbone, it acts as an anchor for the replacement teeth or other restorations. It can also be customized to blend in with your natural teeth seemlessly. Once in place, dental implants can last for decades or even a lifetime with proper care.

Before the procedure begins, your doctor will need to do a thorough evaluation of your oral health and ensure that you don’t have any underlying health issues that could complicate the surgery. For instance, patients with uncontrolled diabetes may not be good candidates for dental implants due to the risk of infection. Likewise, patients who smoke may need additional treatments before receiving the dental implants to ensure their smile is as healthy as possible. During the initial consultation appointment, patients will also be given an estimate of how long the surgery will take and what recovery time they can expect afterward. Your dentist will go over with you what you can expect during each step of the procedure so that you know what to expect.

Your doctor will first administer local anesthesia to provide pain relief both during and after the surgery. This will likely include a topical anesthetic applied to the area that will be worked on. If the patient has anxiety about the procedure, the doctor may recommend an oral sedative to help relax them. Once the area is numb, the dentist will be able to gently insert the dental implants into the patient’s mouth. They will generally be inserted in sections so your dentist can check that they are properly aligned before moving on to the next steps. They will then close the area with a small bandage and prescribe pain medication to help minimize discomfort during the recovery period.

During the first few days after the procedure, patients may experience mild pain and stiffness in the jaw, but this should subside relatively quickly. Patients will be instructed to eat only soft