Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Dental implants are an excellent choice for many people when considering tooth replacement options. Not only do they fill a gap from a missing tooth, but they can restore your smile and confidence. Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth that can protect your oral and overall health throughout your lifetime. But it’s essential to know some basic information about the treatment before getting started. So, our Greeneville implant dentists at Tusculum Dental Care share on the blog today what to know if you’re considering dental implants to make a knowledgeable decision about your new smile.
Dental Implant Components
Dental implants combine multiple parts to provide a stable, durable solution for missing teeth. Our Greeneville dentists who offer dental implants provide a brief explanation below about the different implant parts so that you can understand the construction.
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Implant
The actual implant itself is a tiny titanium screw that our dentist will surgically insert into your jaw to serve as a replacement for the tooth’s root. Eventually, this spot will hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Recovery time after implant surgery is typically between four and six months, but the subsequent treatment stage can only begin after your jawbone fully heals. Once the surgical site heals, the implant screw will fuse with your jawbone, providing a solid, long-lasting foundation for the prosthetic tooth or other restoration.
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Abutment
Next, a titanium or ceramic abutment gets attached to the implant to anchor the crown or bridge.
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Restoration
Then, a restoration tops the abutment and may consist of one or more prosthetic teeth, such as a crown or bridge.
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Crown
Patients who require a single tooth replacement might use a dental crown that’s cemented onto an abutment to form an artificial tooth that looks and works almost identically to a natural tooth.
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Bridge
Replacing several consecutive lost teeth is simple with porcelain dental bridges. Two implants are necessary to anchor a bridge in place firmly.
What are some dental implant benefits?
Dental implants can provide multiple benefits beyond their permanency. Since the titanium post acts like a tooth root, it stimulates the underlying jawbone and prevents it from resorbing back into the body. Our Jonesborough implant dentists warn that without the stimulation, you could experience teeth movement or a sunken facial appearance. Dental implants are also discreet as they can be made to match the shape, size, and color of neighboring teeth, making them virtually undetectable to others. Furthermore, although dental implants may be a more expensive missing tooth replacement option, they offer a significant return on your investment when you properly care for your oral health.
Are dental implants right for me?
Dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement option. However, some patients may not be the best candidates for dental implants. For example, patients with extensive gum disease must treat the condition before getting implants to prevent failure. Also, patients who smoke should vow to stop smoking until healing is complete to avoid implant rejection or infection. The best way to find out if dental implants are right for you is to schedule an appointment with our dental implant dentists in Erwin for a brief examination and discussion about your smile needs.
Dental Implants in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee
Making a final decision about restoring your smile can seem overwhelming when there are multiple options. While other treatment methods can be effective, dental implants can provide benefits beyond other treatments. If you have missing teeth and want to learn more about dental implants and how they can restore your smile, please contact our Greeneville area implant dentists at Tusculum Dental Care. Please call our office at (423) 639-7575 or contact us online to request a consultation today.