Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Smile restoration can require various treatments to return your smile to one worthy of the red carpet. However, none compare to the permanency and stability of dental implants. Although a popular treatment for missing teeth, many patients are unaware of dental implants, the procedure process, or the benefits. Therefore, today on the blog, our Greeneville implant dentists at Tusculum Dental Care share answers to popular questions about dental implants so that you can make a knowledgeable decision when you need to replace a missing tooth.
Q: What is a dental implant?
A: A dental implant consists of a titanium post that’s surgically inserted into your jawbone and then capped with a color-matching porcelain dental crown. The post provides crown stability, absorbs shock from intense biting pressures, and stimulates the jawbone to prevent bone resorption. Although some patients share concerns over the implant standing out among the surrounding teeth, our implant dentists in Jonesborough assure patients that the result is a seamless smile. Therefore, no one will know you had dental work unless you tell them.
Q: How do I know if I need a dental implant?
A: Patients who have missing teeth or hopeless teeth may need dental implants to restore bite function. In some cases, damaged tooth restoration can be successful using alternative treatments such as crowns or bridges. However, our Greenville dentists that offer dental implants warn patients that some treatments are temporary and could cost more money and time for continued repairs. Schedule a consultation and examination to determine if you need a dental implant.
Q: Do dentists need special training and qualifications to perform dental implant procedures?
A: In short, yes. Implant dentists should remain abreast of the newest restorative dentistry techniques to increase the implant success rate. If you are unsure of the dentist’s dental implant education or experience, feel free to ask questions during your initial consultation.
Q: What are the dental implant success rates?
A: Overall, dental implants are successful 98 percent of the time. Successful dental implant patients meticulously care for their oral health and are non-smokers. Although smoking is not a guarantee of implant failure, it does slow the body’s healing process and could lead to other complications, such as infections and longer healing times. Our implant dentists in Greeneville will review your dental and medical history, as well as current medications, to ensure you are a qualified candidate for dental implants.
Q: What makes dental implants superior to other tooth replacement options?
A: Dental implants provide multiple benefits that other replacement options cannot deliver. For example, no other restorative treatment stimulates the jawbone like a natural tooth root, preventing a sunken facial appearance. Additionally, since the implant does not slip or move like dentures, it can withstand normal eating activities and allows you to enjoy foods like steak. Lastly, our Erwin dentists who offer dental implants explain that other treatments, adequate for some patients or those who don’t qualify for dental implants, are more susceptible to damage and may need replacement more often.
Dental Implants in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee
Missing teeth can create oral health complications, such as tooth movement, bone resorption, and potential bacterial infection risks. Therefore, when you have a severely damaged tooth or have an extraction, ask about dental implants to restore your smile. Whether you have questions that remain about dental implants or you would like to know more, feel free to call our Greeneville dental office that offers dental implants, Tusculum Dental Care, at (423) 639-7575. You can also schedule an appointment online today!