Patients who have lost teeth have several restorative options, but dental implants are quickly becoming the preferred tooth replacement solution. They are durable and look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
A dental implant is a screw made of titanium that replaces the root of a missing tooth. It is surgically placed into the jaw bone. Once healed, an artificial crown is attached to the implant dentistry jonesboro ar.
Dental Implants
Dental implants replace both the tooth and its root, providing stability that other tooth replacement options can’t offer. They also encourage new bone growth and prevent the bone loss that accompanies missing teeth, preserving the natural shape of your jaw and smile.
The first step in the dental implant process is to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive exam and x-rays. This allows us to determine the state of your oral health, including the amount and type of bone present. If there is insufficient bone, we may recommend a bone graft. This is typically done in our office.
If you’re missing one or more of your teeth, dental implants are the best treatment option. They’re the only tooth replacement solution that replaces both the root and the crown, which means they look and function more like your natural teeth. They’re also a permanent solution, and with proper care they can last for decades.
With modern materials, implant dentistry jonesboro ar are very lifelike. They look and feel similar to your natural teeth, and they can be colored or shaped to fit perfectly in your smile. They also restore much of your bite force, making it easier to chew even the toughest foods. And because they are so durable, they’ll likely need less maintenance than other types of tooth replacements. But just like your natural teeth, regular brushing and flossing along with annual visits to our practice will help extend their life.
Dental Implant Restorations
Dental implants are one of the most revolutionary advancements in modern dentistry, and they are a great solution for missing teeth. They offer a more permanent alternative to dentures and bridges and can help to prevent the bone loss that often accompanies tooth loss. The implant itself is actually a titanium post that mimics the root of a natural tooth, and it integrates into the mouth to support the new tooth or teeth.
Once the mouth has healed from the implant placement procedure, the abutment and restoration are placed on top of the implant. The restoration can be a crown, bridge, or complete denture, depending on the number of missing teeth and patient needs. The implant and abutment are designed to look and function like natural teeth, and the dentist will create a custom design to match the patient’s smile.
The dental implant can last for decades, or even a lifetime, if it is properly cared for. Patients should brush and floss the implant just as they would their natural teeth to prevent inflammation and infections. They should also use an electric toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid irritating the gums. If necessary, the patient should also visit their oral surgeon for any issues with the implant. This can include issues with the abutment or restoration, or it may be due to damage to the underlying teeth or jawbone.
Dental Implant Post-Operative Instructions
Dental implants are one of the most popular tooth replacement solutions available and, when properly cared for, can last a lifetime. However, it is important to understand that your implant surgery will require some post-operative maintenance. This video will help you understand what to expect after your implant dentistry jonesboro ar procedure and what steps you can take to ensure that the surgical site heals properly.
During the initial recovery period, it is important to minimize swelling and to keep your head elevated. Using an ice pack continuously or as frequently as possible can be extremely helpful in this regard, and will help to reduce facial swelling. It is also recommended that you avoid putting any pressure on the healing area (for example, by not wearing a flipper, partial denture, or night guard). You may resume your normal diet as soon as the local anesthetic wears off, but we recommend beginning with soft foods and progressing to harder foods once your gum tissue heals.
Bleeding or oozing from the implant wound is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding can usually be controlled by biting down on a piece of gauze placed directly over the surgical wound for 30-45 minutes. This will control the blood flow and prevent any additional bleeding during the healing process.
Dental Implant Care
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants is a permanent solution that provides the most natural appearance and function to missing teeth. Implants also help prevent bone loss and the associated issues that accompany traditional tooth replacement options such as bridges or dentures.
During your initial implant consultation, you’ll meet with a doctor who specializes in conditions of the mouth and jaw (oral and maxillofacial surgeon), a dentist who focuses on treating supporting structures like gums and bones (periodontist) or prosthodontists who design and fit artificial teeth (prosthodontist). If you do not have enough bone to hold an implant, bone grafting can be performed to build up the area.
At the time of your surgery, a small metal cylinder called a healing abutment will be attached to the implant. This abutment is shaped and colored to match the adjacent teeth, so no one will be able to tell that you have an implant.
You’ll need to keep your implant clean by following your oral hygiene instructions and visiting our office for yearly cleanings and examinations. You should also contact our office immediately if you experience pain, swelling, or other signs of complications. Attempting to fix such problems yourself can worsen the issue and lead to implant dentistry jonesboro ar failure or damage. Your restorative dentist will examine the site of your implant and surrounding teeth, as well as the bite (which can be affected by chewing on one side more than the other), to ensure your restorations are in good health.
