What You Should Know About Dental Implants

For many people, the mere prospect of going to the dentist for a routine exam and cleaning is enough to make them nervous. It can be paralyzing for people considering oral surgery, such as dental implants. If this describes you or someone you know, don’t let fear dictate you. Dental implant operations are becoming increasingly prevalent. In fact, there are millions of procedures conducted in the United States each year. The procedure is risk-free, recuperation is reasonable, and the benefits are numerous. Below, our dentist in Lexington KY shares what to know about dental implants. 

What Are Dental Implants?

One of the first things that come to mind when one hears the term “dental implants” is, without a doubt, those gleaming tiny metal posts that no one will ever see. One reason the mind quickly leaps here is that they appear so odd in comparison to the replacement teeth they’ll support. The much more plausible explanation is that this item is the implant portion of “dental implant.” That is the frightening part.

The post or base is often constructed of titanium and will permanently bond into the jawbone. The replacement tooth, which is normally composed of ceramic, similar to regular dental crowns, is then joined to the base with the use of another metal component known as a connector.

What is the Dental Implant Procedure Like? 

Several factors influence the dental implant procedure. Regrettably, not everyone is a good candidate for the treatment. One of the most essential considerations is the condition of a patient’s jawbone. The dental implants Lexington KY really bonds with the bone, guaranteeing that the replacement does not move. This has the extra benefit of preserving the patient’s bone structure. Without it, the jawbone would gradually shrink and collapse, giving the chin and mouth a sunken appearance. This is what happens when regular detachable dentures are used.

If the jawbone isn’t strong enough, bone grafting will be required, which will add another surgical stage to the procedure. Because bone deteriorates over time, the longer a tooth is missing, the more likely a bone graft may be necessary. If the tooth to be replaced is still present in the mouth and has to be removed, this must be done first. Something the implant can be placed at the same session, but sometimes a bone transplant is required and the implant is inserted later.

Dental Implant Alternatives

Whether bone grafts or extractions are required, the surgery and healing procedure might take months. The same is true whether a person requires a single tooth replacement or several. An overview of implant therapy options is shown below:

Replacement of a Single Tooth

In this case, the implanted post will serve as the new tooth’s root. To obtain access to the bone, your dentist near me will cut a portion of the gum apart. The post will then be inserted into the bone, and the patient will be discharged until the bone has healed and fused around the implant. While the surgical location will have a gap till the patient returns for the second procedure, a temporary tooth can be worn until then.

Replacing Several Teeth With Dental Implants

Your Lexington KY dentist can use a bridge to replace many teeth in a row, eliminating the requirement for each replacement tooth to have its own post placed. It is similar to a typical bridge in that it employs two crowns on either side of the missing tooth site to keep in a replacement. Assume you have three lost teeth in a row. Digital Doc, intraoral camera markers, explains that their dental clients use posts. These posts are placed for the two lost exterior teeth rather than for all three. When the patient returns for their replacement teeth to be implanted, they will be given a bridge with a third replacement tooth in the center. A post isn’t required to keep it in place because it’s neatly sandwiched between the other two teeth.

Dental Implants for All Teeth

This is the greatest choice for people who require most or all of their teeth to be replaced. Posts are strategically inserted at the top or bottom of the mouth, or both, to hold the denture in place. A person’s existing denture can be adjusted so that it can be attached to the posts.

Contact Park Hills for Dental Implants in Lexington KY

This is the dental practice for you if you are afraid of the dentist. We like relieving customers’ concerns by offering gentle and caring dentistry. We are convinced that you will feel at ease in our clinic since we treat all patients as if they are family. Contact our team today!