Understand the Benefit of a Dental Implant

Posted by Really Smile Feb 21, 2015

You have probably heard of one of the top trends in dental restoration right now: the dental implant. You might not be a big believe in popular trends, but there is a very really reason why dental implants are making so much noise: they are awesome!

Dental implants are one of a kind dental restoration. There is nothing else like a dental implant on the market. It is the only truly permanent restoration out there. Not only that, but a dental implant actually restores the missing tooth root in addition to the tooth crown!

The entire tooth is replaced, and the patient has a restoration (with a 96+% success rate) that will feel and function so much like a natural tooth that the patient might even forget about it!

What is a Dental Implant?

Have we got your attention? We hope so because now we are going to talk about what a dental implant actually is. It is a small titanium post that is inserted directly into your jawbone. Titanium is one of the only materials that is very strong and compatible with the body. Your bone will actually fuse with the implant and hold it securely in place.

Once the implant is in and healed, we will attach a crown to the top of the implant, which will restore the gap in your smile as well as your ability to chew and speak correctly!

How is it Placed?

An implant is placed through an oral surgery. You will be sedated and numbed, so there is absolutely nothing to fear. We use special instruments and precision to place the implant below the gumline and into the bone. Once the implant is in, it will need three-four months to complete the process of fusion with the bone.

The Important Role of Planning

Planning is an extremely important part of the placement process. We’ll begin by taking images of your jaw and teeth. We use these images to plan your entire implant procedure.

We are looking at the thickness of your bone and any signs of weakness. We want that implant to be secure, so we will place it in the best possible position to ensure that you are one of the 96% of people who never have a problem with their implant!

Cone Beam Scanner

Most dental offices would have to send you to a specialist or the hospital to have such high tech images taken, but we are able to take the images right here in the office by using our cone beam CT scanner (CBCT).

Most CT scans are taking in a huge whirring machine at the hospital where you have to lie still and feel claustrophobic before it’s all over. We are able to take the same quality images while you rest comfortably right here in the office!

The CBCT is compact so it can move around you without making you feel like you’re stuck in a tunnel. Patients tell us it’s the easiest CT scan they’ve ever experienced!

Living With a Dental Implant

Once your implant is in place with a crown on top, you are left with the responsibility of keeping that implant safe and healthy. Living with an implant is just as easy as living with all of the rest of your teeth! You run some floss around your new tooth, you brush your teeth well twice each day, you consider using a great antiseptic rinse, and you are good to go!

When you come in for routine cleanings, the implant will be cleaned at the same time to ensure that your entire mouth stays healthy.

Dental implants have so much to offer patients! We hope that you will consider this restoration if you ever need to fill a gap in the future. You won’t be disappointed, and we can make the procedure as easy as pie right here at Really Smile!