Dentistry has evolved tremendously over the decades with several advanced and innovative tooth replacement options like dental implants. These are excellent alternatives to conventional restorations like dentures and bridges. Getting your missing tooth replaced is crucial to maintaining your oral functionality and aesthetics. Failure to do so can lead to a series of debilitating complications,  that ruin your self-confidence.

Brookhaven, GA dental practice surgeons are well-equipped and qualified to perform dental implant surgeries with ease, and utmost patient compliance.

Exploring dental implants

A dental implant is a screw-like platinum post, surgically inserted into your jawbone to provide a stable anchorage for permanent restorations like crowns, dentures, and bridges. These are permanent ways of replacing your missing teeth. The titanium screws are biocompatible and fuse with your jawbone naturally and permanently embed themselves within the bone.

Potential benefits 

Dental implants are popular replacements for missing teeth when compared to other traditional restorations due to the following merits: 

• Provide permanent tooth replacements since they are fixed into the jawbone
• Improve speech and masticatory functions
• Provide a strong and stable foundation for dental crowns
• Stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone resorption
• Preserve the adjacent natural teeth
• Titanium alloy is biocompatible, thus there is no risk of allergies
• Are durable and long-lasting with proper oral care

Being an ideal candidate

You are a suitable candidate for dental implants if you meet certain criteria. You must:

• Have a healthy jawbone with adequate thickness and density
• Be free from advanced periodontal disease
• Be willing to invest time for dental visits while getting your implant
• Be able to afford the implants
• Be an adult with jawbones that are fully developed
• Dedicate yourself to maintain good oral hygiene  

How are dental implants inserted?

Dental implant placement involves the following steps:

Initial consultation

• Your dentist will evaluate your oral cavity, and assess the jawbone health through dental X-rays.
• If the bone thickness is insufficient, you may be advised to undergo additional procedures like bone grafting.

Procedure 

• The space around your missing teeth will be numbed with a local anesthetic to ease pain and discomfort.
• Your dentist will cut open the gums through a small incision to expose the underlying jawbone. 
• Using rotary instruments, tiny holes will be drilled, and the implant post will be inserted. 
• The implant site will be allowed to heal for 4 to 5 months before placing the permanent restoration. 

Bottom line 

Getting implants demands time, perseverance, and patience. However, it is worth the effort since they offer a permanent and stable foundation for restorations. It is a one-time investment towards complete oral health rehabilitation.