IF YOU HAVE A MISSING TOOTH there are typically three options. You could get a bridge, which protects the surrounding teeth and helps keep them from moving. You can get a partial denture, which is a removable placeholder for the missing tooth. Or you can get an implant. A dental implant is a safe, permanent, aesthetically pleasing solution for a missing tooth. You may be tempted to think that there’s a viable option #4 called “ignore it”. But that would be a mistake. Missing teeth can cause serious problems in your mouth including shifting teeth, additional tooth loss, deteriorating gums, and weakened bone structure.
How Implants Work
- Step 1: The implant process begins with a small rod (or “post”) that is anchored in your jaw. This post fuses to existing bone and imitates the function of dental roots.
- Step 2: Typically there’s a 3–6 month healing time to ensure complete and proper post fusion. During this time, a temporary crown protects your mouth, gums, and adjacent teeth.
- Step 3: After the area has fully healed, a custom crown is placed on the post.
Dr. Henley Adds…
“Our office places implants using a state of the art technology called Conebeam 3D imaging and 3D printing. This is cutting edge technology in the world of implants. With 3D imaging and printing dental implants can be digitally planned and placed with an accuracy almost too small to measure. One of the most frequent questions I get is, ‘How long will an implant last?’ When the bone fuses to the implant it’s there to stay! With proper care and maintenance they can last a lifetime! Patients tell us they feel and look just like normal teeth. What’s better is they report being able to chew quite easily. And most report the procedure to have them done is not bad either!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=cWuUkgjB9aI
If You’re Missing One Or More Teeth
If you’re missing one or more teeth, call us for a consultation. We’d love to visit with you, clearly explain all of your options, and answer any questions you have. Our team wants to be sure that you have a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime. Remember that you can always write a comment or ask a question below, and you can send us a private, direct message on our Facebook page.
