Information about the Dental Implant Procedure

If you are an East Greenwich, RI dental patient who has experienced tooth loss, you may be wondering about dental implants. Your family dentist in East Greenwich, RI may have even recommended the procedure as a permanent solution to your tooth loss. Understanding more about what dental implants are and what to expect during the procedure will ease any fears you have and help you feel more comfortable about having the procedure.

First of all, you may be wondering what exactly is a dental implant? A dental implant is the artificial root for a tooth that is placed into your jaw. For most people who have suffered tooth loss due to periodontal disease or because of an accident where a tooth was knocked out; dental implants are an excellent solution for permanent tooth loss. Dental implants may also be used to replace multiple teeth that have been lost instead of just a single tooth. In many cases, your East Greenwich, RI family dentist may be able to offer dental implants as an option to patients in place of dentures.

Another thing that may concern you is whether a dental implant will last. Generally, dental implants are considered a permanent solution for tooth loss. If cared for properly, they can last a lifetime. Through the dental implant procedure, the artificial tooth is connected to jaw bones as well as underlying gum tissues. It is placed very securely in the mouth, so you don’t have to worry about it coming out with flossing or when you brush your teeth.

Will the dental implant look natural? Yes, the dental implant replacement tooth should look very natural in your mouth. In fact, unless you tell them, most people will never be able to tell the replacement tooth from your own natural teeth. When you have your regular cleanings at your East Greenwich, RI family dentist office, he will clean your dental implants as well. The teeth will blend in naturally in your mouth and you may even forget you have dental implants!

Dentists often prefer dental implants to the bridge procedure. Why is this? With implants, the health of the surrounding teeth is not endangered. Sometimes with a bridge, neighboring teeth can be damaged by the grinding that is necessary to support the bridge. An implant replaces the root and helps preserve the jawbone; whereas, bridgework can sometimes cause deterioration to the jawbone. Dental implants are also much easier to clean than bridges.

For the dental implant procedure itself, you will be under general anesthesia. The dentist will implant the artificial tooth into your jaw. It will take a few months for the implant and the bone to grow together and hold your artificial tooth in place. Sometimes, you may wear a temporary tooth replacement in the implant site. After the first procedure, a second procedure attaches the extension where your new artificial tooth will be placed. Some dentist’s offices have one stage implant procedures. This will depend upon your own dentist and also your preferences.

If you think you might be a good candidate for the dental implant procedure, contact your East Greenwich, RI family dentist for a consultation. He will be able to answer any questions you have and let you know what to expect during the procedure.