If you are feeling self-conscious about tooth loss, you could get back your smile with dental implants from K & E Advanced Dentistry in Franklin, OH. Dentures don’t have to be the only way to restore missing teeth. Dental implants are a straightforward, relatively painless way to have the smile you used to know and love. You don’t have to miss out on life because of missing teeth, call K & E Advanced Dentistry today to learn more about dental implants.

Why dental implants?

Dental implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss. The small, titanium post is surgically implanted into the jawbone where the natural tooth root would have sat. Attached to the dental implant is a crown or bridge depending on your unique needs which fill in the gap left by a lost tooth and fully restores the function and appearance of the tooth. Patients in Franklin love dental implants because they look and feel like natural teeth. In fact, there is no special care required for dental implants. You simply brush and floss just like your typical oral hygiene routine.

What are dental implants

Dental implants are composed of three different pieces that all connect to replace a lost tooth. Those pieces are:

• The post that is embedded in the jaw
• An abutment (or connector) that screws on to the post and is the base of the final restoration
• The crown or bridge that is attached to the abutment

The dental implant process

Placing dental implants is a straightforward process that can take up to several months depending on the situation.

The first step is a dental evaluation to determine if dental implants are right for you. During this evaluation, the dentist will check for:

• Sufficient bone structure
• The health of gum tissue
• Overall oral health

For patients who have lost teeth to gum disease, or a significant length of time has passed since the tooth was lost, the jawbone may have deteriorated and become too weak for an implant. Bone grafts may be needed to be completed prior to restoration to ensure the implant will be stable and secure.

The second step is to place the implant. The procedure is typically done under local anesthetic and is relatively simple. Once the implant is in place it can be covered with a temporary crown.

The third step is the healing process, known as osseointegration. During this process, the jawbone will fuse around the implant. This process can take anywhere from 3-6 months. After this time, the implant will be securely rooted in the jaw just like a natural tooth.

The fourth step is placing the dental crown or bridge. The dentist will use impressions sent to a lab for custom fabrication of the crown or bridge. The final restoration is designed to blend in seamlessly in the smile. Once the restoration is made, it will be permanently attached to the implant.

Benefits of dental implants

There are many advantages to dental implants over other tooth restoration options. They are:

• Dental implants are realistic looking, blending in seamlessly in the smile
• Dental implants will fill out the cheeks and lips to eliminate the sunken-in look of missing teeth
• Dental implants prevent bone loss that occurs as a result of missing teeth
• Dental implants are secure, allowing you to bite, chew, and speak without fear of your teeth moving around or falling out.

Taking care of your dental implants

Immediately after the implant is placed, it’s important to brush the area gently since it may be sensitive from the procedure. Once the area has fully healed, dental implants are cared for in the same way as natural teeth. Patients with dental implants are encouraged to maintain good oral hygiene such as brushing twice each day for two minutes at a time, flossing once every day and maintaining routine dental visits. It’s also important for individuals to eat a healthy diet, drink lots of water, and avoid smoking to help the dental implants last for the rest of your life.

Let K & E Advanced Dentistry in Franklin restore your smile

If you are tired of looking old and feeling embarrassed by the gaps in your smile, it’s time to do something about it. Give us a call at (855) 912-7677 and find out how dental implants can give you back your smile.