An experienced implant dentist can help to restore your smile. The majority of adults experience some form of tooth loss over the course of their life. The percentages start small, with only around thirty percent of adults in their thirties and forties losing a tooth or teeth. By the time people become senior citizens, seventy percent will have lost at least one tooth. These are staggering statistics. For the majority of US citizens the question isn’t if they will lose a tooth, rather it is when they will lose a tooth.
When a tooth falls out, or is pulled due to infection, it can cause a variety of other problems. For example, a missing tooth can make it difficult to speak or sing clearly. It can also make it harder to eat your favorite foods. This is in addition to changing your appearance and being embarrassing. People that lose too many teeth can start to have a sunken appearance as the jaw and face structures start to change.
Fortunately, an implant dentist can help to restore the full functionality and appearance of your teeth. This is done with a permanent procedure that does not require any additional maintenance or at home care. Once the implant is installed, simply brush and floss like normal, in addition to having regular dental, exams and teeth cleanings.
The Process
Before an implant can be installed, the dentist will conduct a thorough examination to determine if the gums are healthy enough to support it. Any infections or cavities will need to be treated before the procedure can begin. This is important, as the mouth needs to be in good health in order to heal quickly after the metal piece is implanted.
A mold will be taken of your mouth so that the new tooth can be created in the lab that is the correct size and shape for your mouth. This tooth will also be made to match the color of the surrounding teeth. If you want to whiten your smile, do so prior to having this new tooth created since synthetic materials don’t bleach well.
On the day of the procedure, the implant dentist will give you anesthesia in order to make your comfortable and keep you pain free. A metal piece will then be implanted underneath the gum line. Over time, it will fuse with the jawbone to create a durable synthetic root system. Patients will typically go home after this in order to recover. The gum tissue needs to heal prior to continuing. In the meantime, the dentist can provide you with a temporary denture to wear so that no one will know you are missing a tooth.
Once your gums have healed, the second metal piece will be attached the first. This is what the new tooth attaches to. The implant dentist will secure the new tooth into place and ensure it is perfectly straight and beautiful. After the procedure is done there may be some minor recovery time before you can eat like normal. This is a permanent solution that will give you the functionality and appearance of someone with a full set of natural teeth.
