You were always the curious sort when you were growing up. You especially liked to take things apart and figure out how they work. You would spend your weekends tinkering with clocks, engines, and eventually rifles when you got old enough. Something else you’re very curious about is what you can do about your missing teeth. Life with missing teeth can make simple things very difficult, such as talking or eating. However, you can now get your missing teeth replaced with dental implants in Marshall, TX. But how do they work?
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the only type of dental procedure that can restore a tooth’s complete structure. Many other procedures serve to treat and replace the tooth above the gum line, but only dental implants restore the root as well. This gives the new tooth a firm support and placement in the jaw, and also stimulates healthy blood flow to the area. A dental implant is composed of 3 parts:
- A titanium root
- A metal connector, or abutment
- A porcelain crown
The titanium used to make the root not only assures that it is strong, but that it will also seamlessly bond with your natural jawbone. The porcelain crown restores the tooth above the gum line. The high quality ceramic material assures the tooth is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally strong. The abutment serves to correct these two elements and support the crown from the inside.
What Is The Procedure Like?
The first step to getting dental implants is to visit your dentist in Marshall, TX, Dr. Parker. That way he can examine you and see if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Qualified candidates usually have good overall health and an adequate amount of healthy jawbone. If the patient does not, a simple bone graft may be advised. The actual dental implant procedure involves 3 steps:
- Parker will place the titanium root into your jawbone
- You will be given 3-6 months to heal, as well as allow the root to naturally bond to your jaw.
- The last visit is when Dr. Parker will place your new crown.
The first part of the procedure involves minor surgery, for which you will be under local anesthetic. An incision is made in the gums and a hole is created in the jaw to hold the implant. Recovery, while taking time, is simple, and pain can easily be managed with over the counter medicine. The healing period is entirely dependent on your condition coming into the procedure. Dental implants are able to help replace your teeth in a variety of ways. They can restore a single tooth, anchor a bridge, or support a set of dentures. Dental implants have a 95% success rate when properly cared for, which only involves regular brushing and flossing.
Dental Implants and You
If you are curious about what dental implants can do for you, or have any questions about the procedure itself, please give us a call today. Just like you, we want to see your smile restored so you can function normally and go about the day confidently.