When dentists consider the best choice for replacing missing teeth, dental implants are the procedure that top the list of patients who have healthy teeth and gums. Other options, such as extractions, can lead to teeth that shift into the empty space. Bone mass in your jaw is also likely to decline over time. Therefore, dental implants are a great alternative.
Some people have heard that dental implants can cause problems, but this is something that does not happen except in rare cases. Tooth implants are honestly the closest alternative you will find to healthy natural teeth.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dr. Brian Kynaston, Dr. Matthew Perry, and Dr. Seth Prochaska are all capable of providing tooth implants. This procedure involves replacing the tooth’s root with a metal post. That post will then be connected to an artificial tooth which will look and feel largely the same as a natural tooth does. There are two types of dental implants, subperiosteal and endosteal. Endosteal involves the implant being placed in the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants are instead placed underneath the gum.
What Happens During the Procedure?
When you come in for dental implants, you will be sedated for the procedure. If you have a tooth that is damaged that requires removing, one of the dentists will do that first. Your gum or jawbone will then be prepared for the implant surgery. After this has had time to heal, you will visit the office to have the implant placed.
Following months of healing, your dentist will apply an extension to the post if this was not done originally. After this has healed as well, molds of your teeth and jaw will be made. These will be used to place the artificial tooth in the correct place, so it fits your mouth and works as well as your previous natural tooth or teeth.
Are Dental Implants Durable?
Implants are one of the most durable pieces of dental hardware. They can last for decades provided they are maintained correctly. You will need to make sure you are brushing and flossing, as well as stopping in to see Dr. Prochaska, Dr. Perry, or Dr. Kynaston for checkups.
The area where the implant is placed will also have an effect on how long the implant will end up lasting. Back teeth may experience more stress as they are used for chewing. This means they may also age quicker than an implant in another area of the mouth.