Making a decision about the best tooth-replacement option for you can be difficult when you are facing tooth loss. At K&E Advanced Dentistry in Franklin, OH, our team of dentists is here to help. One of the most common types of restorations that patients ask about is dental implants. Read on to learn more about this highly functional and permanent tooth replacement option.

How dental implants work

Each tooth in your mouth has two main components: the crown, which is the visible portion of the tooth that you see above the gum line, and the root, which is invisible beneath the gums and secures the tooth firmly within your jawbone. That means that when you lose a tooth, the closest way to mimic your natural tooth’s functionality and stability is to replace both the root and the crown – and that’s exactly what a dental implant does.

Dental implants are typically made from titanium, a material that is considered “biocompatible.” After the implant is surgically placed in your jawbone, it undergoes a process called osseointegration with your bone, which means that it fuses with the bone to form a strong, stable foundation for your replacement tooth (typically a crown that is placed on top of the implant). This is where the true benefits of dental implants arise:

• They are permanent and can last a lifetime due to the strong fusion with your bone
• They look and feel like your natural teeth
• You do not need to worry about the implant slipping, falling out, or causing discomfort during your normal daily activities
• It is easy to take care of implants – they do not require extra care and you can easily floss and brush them
• The surrounding healthy teeth are unaffected by the implant process, unlike other tooth replacement options that may require alteration of healthy tooth structure (such as the placement of crowns to support a bridge)
• You can eat anything you want without worry
• They stimulate your jawbone so that it does not deteriorate over time, which can happen with other types of tooth replacements that place less healthy force on the bone

Placing dental implants is typically a multi-step process that can take several months, but once patients have their final implant and tooth replacement, they find it was well worth the wait! The team at K&E Advanced Dentistry will walk you through the process step-by-step so you know what to expect and give the opportunity to ask any questions that you have about the procedure and its pros and cons. 

Who is a good candidate for dental implants

Thanks to modern dental advances, many patients who are interested in dental implants are good candidates for the procedure. One of the most important criteria for placing dental implants is the quality of your jawbone. If you have had a missing tooth for many years or disease and decay have led to the degradation of your bone where the implant would need to be placed, our dentists may recommend that you undergo a procedure called bone grafting prior to receiving dental implants. This procedure builds up healthy bone so that your implant can successfully osseointegrate and support your new tooth.

We evaluate each patient’s teeth, gums, and bone to determine whether implants are a good choice, and she also takes time to learn about your individual lifestyle and treatment preferences before recommending the best options for you. Rest assured that if dental implants are not a good fit, there are many other functional and natural-looking tooth restoration options available to you at K&E Advanced Dentistry so you can start smiling again!

Learn more in a consultation

If you have lost one or more teeth or have impending extractions, our team of dentists at K&E Advanced Dentistry—Dr. Scott Everhart, Dr. Mamta Kori and Dr. Jamshidi—can help you navigate through your tooth restoration options so you are confident in the path you choose towards a healthy, functional smile. In addition to conducting a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, and bone structure, your dentist will discuss your treatment preferences and what you are seeking in a tooth replacement before recommending treatment options that are a good fit for you. If dental implants are not the right choice, we offer several other modern tooth replacement options that blend seamlessly in with your smile. If you are in the Franklin or Centerville, OH area or surrounding communities, call us today at (855) 912-7677!