What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a restoration that is designed to replace one or more missing teeth within the mouth. The implant is made of titanium and is surgically embedded into the jawbone. Over the course of just a couple of months, the implant fuses with the underlying bone. Once healed, we can place a crown or bridge over top of the implant to restore your smile.
Why might Dental Implants be needed?
The reason you might benefit from an implant is because you're missing teeth. When you are missing one or more of your teeth, this can mean more than just a hit to your self-esteem and confidence. You might find it difficult to chew and eat because of the fact that you're lacking dentition. Instead of compromising surrounding teeth or having to wear a partial denture, one or more implants can be used to correct your oral health.
Who is a candidate for Dental Implants?
In order for the new implant to heal properly, it has to become embedded and bonded with underlying bone. If you're suffering from bone loss in the area where the implant is needed, you will require a bone grafting. Bone grafting is a surgery that aims to add synthetic or donor bone to an area where it is currently missing. We can determine if you're a good candidate for implants by taking special x-rays and performing an exam.
What happens during the Dental Implant procedure?
The implant procedure begins with an anesthetic or sedative that is used to numb the area and relax you during surgery. We then make an incision through the gums and surgically embed the implant deep into the bone. The implant is then given a few months to heal and integrate with the bone itself. Once this is finished and the implant is solidly in place, we'll make another restoration to sit over top of it. Crowns, bridges and even dentures can be made to sit on top of implants and restore your whole smile.
If you think you'd like a dental implant and want to know more about the procedure itself, call us today in Tyler, TX to speak with one of our helpful team members.