Dental implants are the longest lasting replacement for missing teeth. In fact, they can last a lifetime with proper care. As you can imagine, this makes dental implant treatment popular amongst our patients. To determine if you’re truly a candidate, we recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our dental implant dentists in Palatka, FL. From there, they’ll be able to outline your next steps to achieve a healthier smile.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about the and what candidates tend to have in common.
As soon as you lose a tooth, the body will start to absorb the minerals in the jaw to use elsewhere. If left untreated, your jaw will begin to shrink. This may make it uncomfortable or difficult to wear dentures. Likewise, you’ll need to adjust your dentures to accommodate the changes in your mouth.
For most patients, the best solution to tooth loss is the dental implant procedure. Unlike dentures, dental implants are placed in the jawbone and are the only tooth replacement option designed to stop bone loss in the jaw.
Once a tooth is too injured or decayed, it reaches a point of no return. As soon as that happens, the only option that remains is to extract the tooth before it affects other teeth and impacts your overall health. If you have teeth with significant injury or decay, our dentists may recommend .
The dental implant will need a solid foundation as it fuses to the jawbone during a process called osseointegration. Once osseointegration is complete, the implant will act as an anchor for an abutment and dental crown.
While the crown replaces the appearance of your tooth above the gum line, the abutment is what connects it to the titanium dental implant in the jaw. Together, the implant, abutment, and crown give you the full look and function of a natural tooth.
Don’t have sufficient bone density to support an implant? No worries! Our dental implant dentists may recommend a bone graft to augment the bone tissue you already have in the jaw.
Once you have a stable foundation in the jaw, you’ll be ready for dental implant placement. This is great news for patients who have experienced jaw shrinkage as a consequence of losing teeth.
Above all, a candidate for dental implant surgery must have a desire to improve their oral health. The dental implant process takes several months. As such, this treatment requires someone who is dedicated and committed to getting the results they want. Patients who undergo the dental implant procedure see their patience rewarded with smiles that are healthier, stronger, and more attractive. It’s a win-win-win!
Our , are ready to help you explore your tooth replacement options. To schedule an appointment and learn if you’re a candidate for dental implants, please call Palatka Family Dental at (386) 328-1500. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.