A dental implant is a post made from titanium alloy that’s surgically inserted into your jawbone. It replaces the tooth’s root and provides a strong foundation for your artificial tooth.
You will need to undergo a comprehensive exam and may be required to have X-rays and plaster models of your mouth and jaw. Chronic conditions that can slow healing such as diabetes, long-term steroid use, and radiation therapy can lower the success rate of your implants.
They Replace Missing Teeth
If you’re missing a tooth, a dental implants Winchester KY provides a strong and natural-looking solution. Unlike a bridge, which can cause adjacent teeth to shift into the open space, an implant prevents this.
A single implant replaces the root part of a missing tooth, while a dental crown goes on top to simulate an actual tooth. A dentist can customize your crown to match the color and texture of your other teeth, so it’s difficult for others to tell where the replacement ends and the natural tooth begins.
A full-arch restoration uses four or more implants to hold a fixed denture in one or both arches. This treatment is ideal for people who want to avoid the instability of traditional dentures, but they’re not candidates for a bone graft to add new bone to their jaw. The surgeon can insert zygomatic or pterygoid implants into the cheek bone instead of the jaw bone for these patients.
They Protect Your Jawbone Health
Aside from replacing missing teeth, dental implants also protect your jaw bone health by stimulating the same areas as natural tooth roots do. This is an important factor in preventing jaw bone loss (resorption), which can affect the shape of your face and mouth over time.
Implants are titanium posts inserted into the jawbone that act as artificial tooth root replacements to make a stable base for fixed or removable replacement teeth. They are more popular than dentures because they look and feel more like your natural teeth and do not depend on adjacent healthy teeth for support.
The first step in getting a dental implant is to get a comprehensive oral exam. This will include X-rays, 3D images and models of your teeth and jaw. Your dentist will recommend you practice good oral hygiene to keep your teeth, gums and metal implants clean. Avoid damaging habits such as chewing ice or hard candies and see your dentist regularly for routine cleanings.
They Look Natural
When dental implants Winchester KY are performed by a skilled cosmetic dentist, they look and feel just like natural teeth. The implanted artificial root will blend in with the surrounding teeth, and the crown that caps it off will be custom crafted to fit your mouth for optimal aesthetics and function.
For the first few weeks after surgery, patients should stick to a soft-food diet for proper healing and so they don’t damage their new restorations. Once they’re fully healed, they can start eating a wider variety of foods.
Our on-site lab will then craft the final bridgework or denture that will be attached to the abutments and capped with a custom dental crown. Using our state-of-the-art CEREC® CAD-CAM technology, we can shape the abutments and crowns to match your mouth perfectly. This process can minimize the number of surgical procedures required for your treatment.
They’re Affordable
A full set of dental implants is an investment in your smile and health. Unlike other tooth replacement methods, such as dentures or bridges, dental implants can last for a lifetime and can be cared for just like your natural teeth. Additionally, dental implants are more cost-effective in the long run. Traditional tooth replacement options can require expensive grafting to increase bone volume, while dental implants are placed directly into your jawbone.
In addition, dental implants allow you to eat your favorite foods again and can eliminate the discomfort and embarrassment that comes with loose or missing teeth. Plus, with a full set of teeth, you can maintain a healthier diet, helping you avoid costly complications such as diabetes or heart disease. And since dental implants are so natural-looking, they can help you restore your confidence and youthful appearance. Finally, many dental insurance plans and health care credit companies offer no-interest or low-interest loans for medical procedures including dental implants.
