How Do Dental Implants in Arnold Work?

The issues caused by missing teething don’t stop with a gap in your smile. They can make it more difficult to eat or speak comfortably, and they make many people feel self-conscious. While there are a few procedures than can replace your missing teeth, none are as comprehensive as dental implants in Arnold. How do they work? How can you get one? Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears can explain everything you need to know about dental implants.

Dental implants are a procedure that is capable of replacing one tooth, anchoring a bridge, or even supporting a set of dentures. They are made of three basic parts:

·         A small titanium post

·         A porcelain crown

·         A connector, or abutment

The titanium post is what makes implants special. It is used to provide your new tooth with a root, which is unlike any other dental procedure. This new root not only provides a sturdy base, but also can assure the long-term health of your gums and jaw. It is able to do this because titanium is bio-compatible, meaning that it will naturally bond to your jaw once it has been implanted, and the body will supply it with blood. This blood flow, which is often cut off after tooth loss, will reinvigorate the surrounding area.

This is then topped with a porcelain crown. The ceramic material is able to replicate a tooth in both appearance and durability, and most people can’t tell the difference just by looking at it. The porcelain can even be custom-shaded to match the rest of your teeth.

These two elements are then held together using the abutment, which looks like a tiny screw, and adds further security to the hold.

If you type “dentist near me” into a search engine, most practices will advertise that they offer dental implants. However, reading their site will reveal that they need to refer you to an oral surgeon to place the implants. This shuffling between two doctor’s offices can make the entire process longer and more confusing, which is why at JL Dental, we both place and restore our implants. Drs. Jonathan and Laura Mears have received additional, hands-on training to perform the placement procedure, meaning that you will always be with a doctor you trust throughout the entire process.

The dental implant procedure involves 3 basic steps:

·         One of the doctors will place the implant into your jaw

·         You will be given 3-6 months to heal, and allow the root to bond to your jaw

·         Your final visit is when the new porcelain crown will be placed.

The placement involves a minor surgical procedure, but this can usually be completed with only local anesthesia, and requires minimal recovery time. The 3-6 month period is mostly to allow time for your root to bond to your jaw. After you have the crown placed, you’ll have little sensation in the implant itself, but it will look and function just like a real tooth. Maintenance is quite simple, as standard brushing and flossing can keepyour implants looking great for decades.

Dental implants are becoming more common as people realize they are the most complete form of tooth restoration. They can give you your smile back in a way only they can provide.

If you’d like to know more about dental implants, or how to get one, please call your dentist in Arnold today.