A dental implant is one of the alternatives you have to choose from when it comes to replacing missing teeth. It’s the only dental prosthetic that effectively mimics the behavior of your natural teeth and roots.
Ignoring a gap in your smile is not an option. Teeth have a natural tendency to move toward spaces in your smile in an attempt to fill up the gap. That eventually leads to misaligned teeth if you do not seek professional treatment in a timely manner. The damage does not stop there. When a tooth and its root are missing, the bone tissue that was holding the root in place begins to disintegrate.
We have the solution for your smile
It is no surprise an increasing number of people are opting for a dental implant instead of cheaper alternatives like dentures and bridges. These dental devices are not just good for your oral health, they are also a lot easier to take care of. Getting implants typically consists of two stages. The first stage involves the placement of an artificial tooth root by attaching a metal screw – often made out of titanium – into the patient’s jawbone. This screw is the dental implant.
The second stage involves the attachment of a crown to the post on the external-facing end of the implant, restoring your smile. When the procedure is complete, the implant will no longer be visible in your mouth.
What to expect when getting a dental implant
Getting implants can take anywhere between two to eight months. The length of treatment varies for each individual mainly because people heal at different rates. We do not normally place crowns on top of traditional implants until the patient fully heals and the implant fuses with the patient’s jawbone.
If a patient has healthy jawbone tissue and is generally healthy, it is possible to attach a temporary crown to the implant on the same day of inserting the implant. That means that we can restore your smile instantly.
Outline of the typical placement of a dental implant
During the first appointment, we fold back the gum area around the missing tooth to expose the bone tissue before attaching the device. We then prepare the area for the implant. Afterward, we attach the implant to the jawbone and suture the gum tissue. It will then take anywhere between three to six months for the prosthetic to fuse with the patient’s jawbone.
Next, we will attach a dental crown to the post on the external-facing end of the implant.
Why implants are better than other alternatives
Dental implants are not the only way to replace missing teeth, and there are cheaper alternatives like dentures and bridges. Here is a list of a few reasons why many decide to go with a dental implant over other options:
- Implants do not require specialized cleaning
- Implants function and look like real teeth
- Implants can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene
- It’s impossible for others to tell you have an artificial tooth
- Implants promote healthy jawbone tissue
Think you are a good candidate for dental implants? Contact one of our dentists today and explore your options.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Preferred Dental Center, request an appointment in our San Antonio dental office here: https://www.preferreddentalcenter.com. Or call us at (210) 822-8500.
