A Dental Implant Is a Replacement for a Missing Tooth

For a gap in your mouth, a dental implant could be the right solution. Losing a permanent tooth can be problematic both cosmetically and for your oral health. Not only is this an embarrassing situation that can affect your self-esteem, but it makes it hard to chew food. Fortunately, you do not have to live like this much longer. Your dentist can explain the process of getting implants and how this treatment can help you achieve your goals. As you learn more about this option, you can feel good about using it to change your smile.

Reasons why people may seek a dental implant

Hopefully, a patient will not have to deal with the effects of losing a permanent tooth. However, various factors can cause tooth damage and tooth loss. Though the enamel layer of a tooth is the strongest substance in the body, teeth can still fracture and become dislodged. Often, poor oral habits can cause a tooth to fall out. When a patient fails to brush and floss effectively, it can lead to severe decay or gum disease. This will lead to deterioration or even bone loss.

For other people, accidents and injuries knock out a tooth. Biting into a hard object, such as certain types of food, utensils, or even a pen or pencil, can dislodge a tooth. Suffering a hard blow to the face can have the same effect. This happens in slip-and-fall events or in car accidents and sports injuries.

A description of implants

A dental implant is a good option for a person who has lost a single tooth. Implants might also be the right solution to replace a few teeth or even several teeth. Implants consist of three parts: a titanium post, a smaller abutment, and the natural-looking crown. The post resembles a long screw and acts as the tooth root. In order for implants to secure properly in the jaw, the patient must have sufficient bone growth. If the patient has suffered too much bone loss, the dentist may need to do a bone graft.

Surgical processes

To get a dental implant, the patient must undergo at least two surgeries. These are moderately invasive but can require a lengthy recovery process. The dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area. Once the patient is comfortable, the dentist cuts into the gum and inserts the post deep into the jaw. Over the next few months, the post and bone fuse to provide a strong base and support for the abutment and crown.

The next surgery is similar and will take place after the patient has healed from the first procedure. After numbing the patient, the dentist once again makes an incision in the gum. This exposes the top of the abutment. The dentist then attaches the abutment. A few more months of healing takes place, and the dentist then attaches the crown.

Benefits

A dental implant looks almost identical to a natural tooth. It also restores the mouth’s ability to chew. Implants are durable and provide a strong bite force, good enough to chew most foods. Implants can last more than 20 years with proper care and maintenance.

Take care of that missing tooth now

Do not put off replacing a gap in your mouth. Restore your smile and chewing ability with a dental crown. Your dentist has the knowledge and training to do this procedure. Make an appointment today.

Are you considering getting a dental implant in the Gainesville area? Get more information at https://gallodental.com.

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