What are Dental Implants?
Dentists surgically place titanium posts into the jawbone, serving as artificial tooth roots for dental implants. These posts fuse with the surrounding bone through osseointegration, providing a strong and stable foundation for replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. Plus, we now offer Nitrous Oxide during treatment!
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
There are numerous benefits to choosing dental implants, including:
- Improved Aesthetics: Dental implants closely mimic the look and feel of natural teeth, providing you with a seamless and natural-looking smile.
- Enhanced Functionality: Dental implants anchor securely to the jawbone, unlike traditional dentures or bridges, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
- Preservation of Bone Health: Dental implants stimulate the underlying jawbone, helping to prevent bone loss and preserve facial structure.
- Longevity: With proper care and maintenance, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a durable and cost-effective solution for tooth replacement.
Why You Need to Replace Your Missing Teeth
Replacing missing teeth is vital for several reasons, including:
- Improved Oral Health: Gaps in your smile can increase the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues.
- Enhanced Functionality: Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat certain foods and speak clearly, affecting overall quality of life.
- Preservation of Jawbone: Without the stimulation provided by tooth roots, the underlying jawbone can deteriorate over time, leading to changes in facial structure and appearance.
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants can restore oral health, functionality, and confidence.
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Implant
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and attending regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
- Avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods that could damage the implants or restorations.
- Quit smoking, as tobacco use can increase the risk of implant failure and complications.
- Initial Consultation: During your first visit, Dr. Rob will evaluate your oral health and discuss your treatment goals and options for dental implants.
- Treatment Planning: Based on your consultation and diagnostic imaging, Dr. Rob will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.
- Implant Placement: The dental implant surgery involves placing the titanium implant posts into the jawbone.The dentist performs this procedure under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
- Healing Period: After implant placement, a period of healing is required to allow the implants to fuse with the jawbone. This process, known as osseointegration, typically takes several months.
- Abutment Placement: Once the implants have integrated with the jawbone, abutments are attached to the implants. These connectors serve as the attachment point for the replacement teeth.
- Final Restoration: Finally, custom-made crowns, bridges, or dentures are secured to the abutments, completing the restoration process and providing you with a functional and natural-looking smile. Follow any specific instructions provided by Dr. Rob for post-operative care and maintenance.
Aftercare Instructions
After receiving dental implants, it’s important to follow these aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing and long-term success:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and attending regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
- Avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods that could damage the implants or restorations.
- Quit smoking, as tobacco use can increase the risk of implant failure and complications.
- Follow any specific instructions provided by Dr. Rob for post-operative care and maintenance.
With proper care and maintenance, your dental implants can provide you with a lifetime of smiles and improved oral health.
Dental Implants in Hickory, NC
If missing teeth have been holding you back from smiling freely and embracing life’s moments, it’s time to take action. With dental implants at Lake Hickory Dental, you can regain the function and aesthetics of a natural smile. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Rob today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile.
