As an implant dentist, we speak with many patients who are frustrated over loose or ill-fitting dentures. Medical technology has improved greatly over the past couple of decades. Dentures are fitting better and looking more natural than ever before, but they are still a removable prosthetic. Since they are designed to come out, there is no way for them to provide the same degree of stability a natural tooth would, and as a result, they can become loose more easily, leading to unwanted frustration and inconvenience during mealtime or when engaged in high-impact activities. For some people, this is not an issue, but for others, this can seriously impact their quality of life. This is where we can help.
As an implant dentist, we can replace your teeth in a way that is entirely durable and secure. An implant is the only solution for tooth loss that replaces both your root and the visible tooth. As a result, it functions like a natural tooth would, providing you with the security you require in order to eat all of your favorite foods, run a marathon, or sing in the choir without worrying about your teeth.
Here is how it works:
When you visit us for an examination, we will inspect your gums and take x-rays to determine if you have enough bone density to begin the procedure. If not, we may recommend alternatives, like performing a bone graft first or using a different type of implant procedure. Once we are certain you are healthy enough to get started, we will schedule an appointment for implant surgery. We are skilled at completing this procedure in a way that is as comfortable as possible. You will receive anesthesia and be relaxed during the procedure. We will implant a titanium post under your gums and secure it to the jawbone in each spot you lost a tooth. The procedure can take a couple of hours though it depends on how many teeth are being replaced. We can give you an exact time frame when you visit our implant dentist office for a consultation.
After the procedure, you will feel sore and experience some swelling. This can be managed by using an ice pack and taking ibuprofen. For a few days, you will need to be careful to only eat soft foods and not irritate the surgical site. Afterward, your gums will begin to heal, and you should feel better. It will take a couple of months for the process of osseointegration to take place. You will not feel it happening, but inside your mouth, your jawbone, and the titanium post will be fusing together. This is what makes an implant so secure. The bone provides the same level of stability to the implant that it would to a natural root. The new tooth will then stimulate the jawbone, so it is a symbiotic relationship. Once complete, we will attach the new tooth (dental crown), and you will be able to enjoy all of the benefits that come with a secure, full set of natural-looking teeth. To learn more about this process, call our implant dentist office and schedule a consultation.
