If you’ve lost some teeth due to an accident, decay, or gum disease, chances are you would like to have those teeth replaced. If you’re considering a visit to receive tooth implants in Webster, New York, here are some things you should understand before you book an appointment.
Tooth Implants Vs. Dentures: Which Option is Right For You?
Make no mistake; dentures can provide a wonderful solution for patients missing one or multiple teeth. They are relatively inexpensive compared to more in-depth procedures. In addition, they are simple to fit and fairly easy to care for.
However, if you want the very best solution modern dentistry offers, you will want to opt for tooth implants.
What Are Tooth Implants?
Tooth implants are anchored directly into the jaw. They provide a base on which your periodontist can place temporary or permanent replacement teeth that look and feel just like your own natural teeth. Because they are fixed in place, they don’t slide around, distort your speech, or feel bulky in your mouth like dentures can. [1] Better still, the firm titanium post anchors and heals directly into the jawbone. The titanium implant/post acts like natural tooth roots. Tooth implants don’t cause any damage to your surrounding teeth like dentures and bridges sometimes do. [2]
Dental implant patients are often pleasantly surprised to discover that no one can tell they have implants. In fact, many patients themselves forget about their dental implants in day-to-day life. That’s because not only do implants look and feel like regular teeth, but the maintenance and care are the same as it would be for your natural teeth. Just remember to brush, floss, rinse with mouthwash, and visit your dentist for regular checkups. [1]
How Do Tooth Implants Work, and What is the Process Like?
First of all, don’t expect to have everything done in one office visit. In fact, you may need several preparatory visits or even multiple procedures to get all of your implants put in. Over the next few months, a series of follow-ups will then be scheduled. This ensures that everything is healing correctly before the replacement teeth can be fixed onto the implanted titanium root.
Your surgeon will walk you through the exact procedure and discuss all of your options before you begin. However, in general, you can expect the following steps.
During one of your initial visits, specialists may take X-ray imaging of your jaw to ensure optimal placement of the titanium implant. They will also determine if your bone is healthy and strong enough to support an implant. If not, you may need additional work to help with bone growth and healing, but otherwise, you will likely be cleared to proceed. [2]
First, a periodontist will place the implant into your jaw bone. This implant will not be visible above your gum line, so you will still have the appearance of a missing tooth at this point. Once your bone has properly healed in a few months, the surgeon can place an abutment onto the implanted root. This abutment is what your replacement tooth will be attached to. Finally, after a couple of weeks has passed to let your gums heal again, the replacement tooth can be attached to the abutment. [2]
Once this process is completed, you will have a new tooth. All you have to worry about is healing and regular dental care.
Where Should You Book an Appointment to Get Tooth Implants in Webster, NY?
At Empire Dental Care, our dentist Dr. Tehila Cohen works with the best-qualified periodontists to provide seamless and comprehensive dental care. Part of this experience includes developing a personalized treatment plan based on your needs and your dental history.
Contact us today to book a consultation or an appointment. 585.671.1650
Sources:
[1] https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-implants#1
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dental-implant-surgery/about/pac-20384622
