Single Tooth Loss: Understanding a Dental Implant

As we age, it is not uncommon to begin to lose teeth. Improper dental care or dental issues can lead to tooth loss, which leads to problems with eating. With today’s dental technology enhancements, patients can replace a lost tooth with a dental implant, instead of the need for bridges and dentures. So, what are dental implants? A dental implant is a replacement tooth root. An implant provides a fixed foundation or a removable replacement tooth.

Advantages of Dental Implants

If you are missing a tooth, a dental implant might be the solution for you. Dentists recommend dental implants for a number of reasons. To begin, dental implants can improve your appearance. An implant is created to look and feel like your teeth. The implant is fused to the bone, so it is a permanent solution to a missing tooth problem.

Your speech will also be improved with a dental implant. Many times, with dentures, teeth can slip, or your mouth may not be adjusted correctly, and speech is slurred. With a dental implant, your speech is never slurred or mumbled. You will also find that you can eat better when compared to dentures or no solution. Implants will function just like your own natural teeth, allowing you to eat with ease.

Dental implants also help to improve self-esteem. It is easy to feel bad when you are missing teeth, not wanting to smile or talk to anyone. With an implant, your smile will be restored, and you will see your self-esteem improve dramatically.

The Process of Dental Implant

To receive a dental implant, a patient will need to visit a dentist and a treatment plan created. The plan will be based on your teeth needs and will include specialists involved in the restoration of teeth as well as oral surgery. An implant option will be chosen for you so that the process can begin.

The tooth root implant, crated from titanium, will be placed inside the bone socket where the tooth is missing. The jawbone will heal after the implant, which will fuse the titanium post to your mouth. The process of healing can take six to twelve weeks.

Once the implant is bonded, a connector post known as an abutment will be attached to the post to help hold the new tooth in place. An impression of your teeth will be made by the dentist to create the new tooth or set of teeth. You will model your bite, which will then be used to create a mold for your new tooth. A replacement tooth known as a crown will be attached to the abutment and you will have a new permanent tooth in place.

The process does not work for everyone. Your overall health needs to be considered and any sickness or medical conditions considered before a dental implant can be provided. To ensure you are a candidate, speak with our Chippewa Falls Dental office for more information and to schedule an appointment. We are happy to assist with all your dental needs.