No one wants to think about losing a tooth, but it can happen. A missed ball in a baseball game can knock a tooth out, a car accident, or just a fall at home. When you lose a tooth for any reason, you have several options when it comes to replacing it. When you visit Dr. Roberson, he will, of course, do everything he can to save a tooth. But whether due to an abscess or an accident you lose a tooth that cannot be saved you can get partial or full dentures to replace your missing teeth. Or, you may be able to replace one or more teeth using a dental bridge. However, more people today are choosing to replace them with dental implants.
Can I get dental implants?
If you decide you would like to opt for dental implants, discuss it with your Birmingham dental team. They will assess your situation and your health to determine if you are a good candidate or not. You will need to be in good health and have healthy gums and jawbones.
Are there any benefits to getting implants?
Most people opt for replacing missing teeth using dental implants because they appear more natural. Once they have them placed, they start to realize that they also feel more like their natural teeth than other alternatives. Since they are surgically attached to your jawbone, they are not removable like dentures. But this also means they do not move around when you are trying to eat or talk, making them feel more like real teeth.
What’s it like to get implants?
There are basically three steps involved in getting implants. In some instances, the first two steps can be done at the same time, but usually, it takes all three steps to complete the process. Please note that it will also take more than one trip to the dentist’s office. Most of the time it takes at least two or three separate visits. The three steps include:
- Having the Implants Placed. The first step of the process is to have the actual implant surgically placed in the jawbone. It’ll cover over with gum tissue and slowly integrate into the bone. It can take as long as three to six months for it to heal up completely. Dr. Roberson will keep an eye on it with short visits to make sure it heals properly.
- Attaching the Implant Post. This second step can possibly be done at the same time as the implant is placed. However, in most cases, dentists wait for the implants to heal completely before attaching the post to the implant. The post looks a bit like a screw, and it will be attached securely to the implant. Once it’s attached, it will serve as an anchor for the crown.
- Adding the Crown. Once the post and implant have healed, the dentist attaches a crown to it. This crown is custom made so it will look like your natural teeth. Once it is attached, no one will even be able to tell it’s not your real tooth.
Isn’t it easier to just get dentures or a dental bridge?
Partial and full dentures can be a bit easier to obtain. However, you’ll have to take them out to clean them. They will also need to be taken in occasionally for repairs. Eventually, they may need to be replaced. With implants, they should last your entire lifetime as long as you take good care of them. This is as simple as continuing good oral hygiene habits every day. You should brush your teeth two times a day every day and floss them once a day.
Questions? Contact Roberson Dental.
Are you wondering if dental implants are a good choice for you? Do you think you might be a good candidate? Contact us at Roberson Dental and let us answer all your questions for you. Our dental team can let you know if you are a good candidate and if you would benefit from implants.
