Implant Dentistry in Clarksville, Tennessee
There are many reasons why a patient may be suffering from tooth loss, such as tooth decay, gum disease or injury. Nowadays you no longer need removable bridges or denture treatment that often have less superior look and feel. Dentistry has come a long way with the amazing treatment of dental implants.
This procedure is simply a replacement for a natural tooth root and tooth. It is made to feel like a real tooth, and it fits naturally into your gum and soft tissue area inside your mouth. The new teeth are permanent and match the rest of your natural teeth. At David Bailey, DDS, we specialize in many advanced dental treatments, one of the most advanced being this kind of restorative dentistry.
Dental Implant Procedure
In order to find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants you should always consult with your dentist first and see if this option is right for you. Your dentist will conduct a routine exam and see if you have the right environment to support such a procedure.
What is a Dental Implant?
The procedure involves a titanium tooth root that is placed inside the gum and over a brief time it fuses with the bone in your jaw. Once the area is ready, a small piece called an abutment is placed on top of the new prosthetic tooth root. The abutment is installed, and then the final part is the fake tooth, called a crown, to fit on top of the abutment. This crown is then fitted into place, and your new tooth is cushioned into the empty spot.
The Procedure
After examinations and any necessary preparation work, your dental professional will develop a specified plan for your implant treatment. It will be based on your particular oral health needs, and a team of qualified implant professionals who specialize in oral surgical and restorative procedures will implement it.
The steps of the procedure are:
- Local anesthesia is applied to prep the area for comfort during the procedure
- The titanium tooth root implant is placed into the bone socket where the missing natural tooth once resided. Once the root and the jawbone have healed and fused together, and the foundation is firm, the next step will be to connect the post.
- The abutment post is connected and attached in order to create a connector to hold the crown or the new fake tooth.
- To create the new tooth, your dentist will have taken impressions of the teeth to make a tooth that matches and fits into your bite.
- The new tooth is made to match your other teeth and to feel and fit just like a natural tooth would feel.
- After the procedure over the counter pain medicine such as Tylenol can be taken for mild discomfort.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
The benefits of getting new teeth are endless. They can boost your confidence and improve your oral health dramatically.
Some of the benefits include:
- Improved Smile/Confidence – the crowns and root work naturally, and fuse with your bone so they become a part of your mouth alignment, smile and bone improving your overall look and appearance.
- Better Oral Health – You have your own connected new teeth in place that work with regular teeth and can be cleaned in between with flossing and brushing.
- Eating and Speaking – Unlike dentures that can slip and slide and may cause you to slur your words permanent prosthetic teeth help you to speak just like you would if your tooth were completely natural. You also can eat normally and chew all kinds of foods without pain or discomfort.
- Long Lasting – This procedure is long lasting and with great oral health, routine check-ups and care your new teeth could last an entire lifetime.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
If you have good health and have the bone to support this process, then you most likely are a good candidate to get permanent new teeth. It is required that the patient have gums that are in good health and have enough jawbone to support this procedure. Patients with any health conditions need to be evaluated before being qualified for this surgery. In some cases, bone can be grafted and established first for a later replacement procedure for those with bone loss in the area, but this varies case by case.
Post Procedure Care
If you take good care of your new teeth with routine cleanings, exams, brushing and flossing then it’s quite possible your implants could last for many years if not a lifetime. This restorative surgery has a high success rate and very rarely needs to be re-done or repaired.
Call our friendly staff at our office today to book your appointment about implant dentistry in Clarksville, Tennessee.
