Dental implants are screw-like titanium posts that when combined with a porcelain crown, look, feel, and act like natural teeth. They can also help positively alter a person’s facial structure by lending fullness to areas that have started to appear sunken in. At Parklane Family Dental, our dental implant dentists in Fort Smith, Rogers, and Springdale, AR, can walk you through the process of assessing your candidacy if you’re interested.
Learn more about this popular form of tooth replacement below.
Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, implants offer a level of security and comfort that is as close as you can get to natural teeth. Single-tooth implants don’t slip or move, which means you can chew a variety of foods, talk with others, and smile confidently. Plus, as mentioned above, they’re designed to resemble and function like your own teeth, so nothing will appear out of place or awkward. No one will know by looking at you that you’ve a dental implant, let alone had a tooth missing.
Many patients think there’s only one type of implant, when in fact, there are multiple. Aside from different materials used or All-on-X implants vs. single-tooth replacement, the two main categories include:
There are several steps involved in the placement of dental implants. Our dentists will start by evaluating the current condition of your smile using dental X-rays and visual examinations. If you require the removal of a damaged tooth, tooth extraction will occur before the implant procedure.
After the complete healing of the gums post-extraction, we’ll make a small surgical incision and place the metal post into the jawbone. The area will be closed up and allowed to heal before continuing with the rest of the procedure. Over the course of a few months, the implant will naturally graft with the bone and become secure.
In the subsequent appointment, our local dental implant dentists will place an abutment (connector piece) over the post. A porcelain crown is then mounted on top after the gums have healed. All in all, any discomfort associated with the process has been likened to getting a filling or similar routine procedures. Our dentists can prescribe pain medication as you heal and regular checkup visits are mandatory to monitor your recovery.
If you’re in search of a long-lasting solution to missing teeth, our dental implant dentists in Springdale, Fort Smith, and Rogers, AR, are ready to help. Call one of our Parklane Family Dental locations today to request an appointment and get the conversation started.
