Getting Your Teeth Back

By Celeste Balino, DDS

King Centre Dental

. http://www.kingcentredental.com/

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Getting Your Teeth Back

The first impression should always be an unforgettable one. Many find that the most significant detail of the first impression is a person's smile. While there are many cosmetic dental procedures to enhance a person's smile, what can be done if you are one of the millions of American women suffering from lost teeth?

Previously, the only viable choices to replace lost teeth were bridges or dentures. However, today's standard of care is to replace missing teeth with implants, which allow patients to regain the beauty, form, and function of their own natural teeth.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants mimic the roots of a natural tooth. They provide a nice foundation to replace the lost tooth, or teeth, with a crown or denture. Implants are posts made of titanium, a safe biocompatible metal that combines with the patient's existing bone. Replacement teeth, such as crowns or dentures, are secured on top of the implants to blend with adjacent teeth.

What Is Expected When Getting Dental Implants?

Initially, patients discuss their needs with their dentist. Every patient who has lost a tooth or teeth should at least have a discussion with their dentist about dental implants. A plan is developed to address each patient's unique dental needs.

The implant is placed into the site of an extracted tooth or a missing tooth. The surrounding jawbone attaches to the implant in a few months.

When the implant has fused to the bone, an abutment or a connector post is fixed to the implant. The abutment serves as a foundation where a crown or denture can be secured.

Dental implants not only provide amazing results in the replacement of single teeth, but can also drastically alter the lives of removable dentures patients. Implants can increase a denture's retention and stability by allowing the denture to securely attach to several implants. Denture wearers no longer have to worry about applying adhesives.

Are Dental Implants Painful?

Many patients who have had implants experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Patients find that local anesthesia is more than sufficient for comfort during the procedure.

If there is any soreness present after the implant is placed, over-the-counter pain medication can relieve most symptoms.

If you have lost one or more teeth, take a little time and talk to a dentist about what dental implants can do for you, because now, you can get your teeth back.