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what is
A dental implant?
A dental implant is a superior tooth restoration used to replace a missing tooth. A titanium screw is implanted into the jaw bone, where it becomes osseointegrated (fused) with the jaw bone in 3-6 months. An abutment and dental crown are then attached to complete the restoration.
Dental implants securely hold the tooth restoration in place for stability. Because the titanium post is implanted within the jaw bone, where the bone grows around the implant, the tooth’s root is also restored.
When you use the implant to chew, the jaw bone becomes stimulated, which preserves the bone. Other tooth restorations accelerate bone loss which leads to changes in your bite and facial structure and premature facial sagging.
To find out if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, contact us at Patrick Stuckey, DDS today to schedule a consultation with Ruston dentist Dr. Patrick Stuckey.
benefits of
Dental Implants
Unlike dentures and dental bridges, dental implants do not shift around, accelerate bone loss, feel uncomfortable, or look unnatural. A dental implant functions just like a natural tooth so you can eat a diet free of restrictions and not live in fear that your teeth will move or fall out when you speak or chew.
Best of all, dental implants can last for 25 years to a lifetime! The only part of a dental implant you will need to replace is the dental crown. Because the implant is stabilized in the jaw, your restoration will feel and look just like a real tooth.
They’re also incredibly low maintenance and are cleaned just like your natural teeth. Dental implants will boost your confidence as you enjoy an aesthetically pleasing smile that makes life more convenient. If you don’t replace a missing tooth, the surrounding teeth will shift, and the jaw bone will begin to deteriorate. Dental implants resolve these issues, making them the best long-term tooth replacement.
The dental implant
process
You will come in for a consultation with Dr. Patrick Stuckey so we can determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. An oral exam will be performed and we will take x-rays to get a look at the condition and structure of your jaw bone.
If you do not have sufficient jaw bone density, you may need to get bone grafts to be eligible for dental implants. The first procedural appointment will involve making an incision into the gums and implanting the titanium post, which looks like a screw, into the jaw bone.
You will then need to wait 3-6 months for the jaw to fully heal and osseointegrate. During this time, the bone will grow around the implant and become fused like a real tooth root. Once the implant has osseointegrated with the jaw bone, we will reopen the gums to attach an abutment.
You’ll need a few days to 2 weeks to recover from this minor oral surgery. Impressions are taken of your teeth to create your dental crown restoration. Within 6 weeks, your dental crown will be ready to be attached.
Dental implant-supported
dentures
If you’re missing most of your teeth, placing many dental implants for each one doesn’t make much sense. However, dentures come with many problems, such as gum soreness and pain, an ill-fit that causes the dentures to move around when you speak or eat, the need to constantly replace them, and their acceleration of bone loss.
The solution is implant-supported dentures. A series of implants are made in the upper and lower jaw and a partial or full set of dentures are attached to the implants for a stabilized tooth replacement that doesn’t lead to bone loss. Call us today to learn more!
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