Dental Implants in Jacksonville
People who are missing one or more teeth have several options today for tooth replacement. A dental implant can replace one tooth, a mouth full of teeth, or secure a denture. If you have done any reading on the subject, it probably comes as no surprise that dentists consider dental implants to be the best option available for tooth replacement.
Your dentist at 904 Dental Care will go over the dental implant procedure with you before starting the process. It usually takes three to four appointments to complete the work. On the first appointment, your dentist removes any remaining parts of damaged teeth to be replaced. This step is not necessary if your tooth is already missing. The second step is the insertion of the implant. Your dentist will then take an impression (mold) of your teeth and gums to create the custom-made crown. Finally, when the implant has healed, about 6 to 12 weeks later, the dentist places the crown on the implant.
Who can get dental implants?
If you are in good general health, have healthy gums, and enough bone in the jaw to hold an implant, dental implants might be right for you. If your jawbone has shrunk or has not developed normally, you may have a bone graft to build up the bone. A bone graft is a way of adding new bone to your jawbone. Your dentist will tell you if bone grafting can be done.
What Are Dental Implants?
You have likely heard a lot about dental implants. Possibly you have heard that dental implants replace your real teeth that have been damaged in an accident or lost to gum disease or tooth decay. Dental implants can be used in a process that replaces your natural teeth. However, the dental implants themselves are actually metal posts that provide the root structure for a dental crown.
What Are Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants provide many benefits for you, whether you have lost one tooth or a whole mouthful of teeth. Although you need to discuss all your options with your dentist first, the possibility of using dental implants to hold replacement teeth is an option worth exploring.
Benefit #1: Natural Appearance
With the appearance of natural teeth, dental implants can make you feel more attractive and self-confident. Your smile looks its best the minute the crowns are added. We can match the crowns to the color of existing teeth or, in the case of full replacements, they can have the color of your preference.
Benefit #2: Natural Feel
Dental implants are permanent and firmly attached, so chewing seems just as normal as it did before you lost the tooth or teeth. The crowns that are fitted onto the implants are durable, so you do not have to worry about wearing them out through normal chewing.
Benefit #3: Natural Speech
If you choose dental implants to replace a bridge or dentures, you will likely see an immediate improvement in your speech. While dentures can trip up your tongue and cause you to slur your words, dental implants allow you to speak better than ever.
Benefit #4: Better Chewing
Chewing can be difficult if you have gaps between your teeth or wear a bridge or dentures. Without the ability to chew properly, the quality of your diet can go downhill quickly. You can chew much better once we install dental implants for you, allowing you to eat healthier and enjoy your food more.
Benefit #5: More Convenient Than Removeable Dentures
You can have snap-in dentures mounted on dental implants to replace lost teeth and regular removable dentures. These better-attached dentures are much more convenient because you never have to worry about them moving or coming out from your mouth while talking or eating. They do not slip or fall out, and you never have to use messy dental adhesives to keep them in place.
Caring for Dental Implants
Because dental implants are placed in the jawbone, artificial replacement teeth attached to implants look and act much like natural teeth. And just like natural teeth, implants need to be kept clean using a toothbrush and floss. Your dentist will show you the proper cleaning procedure for implants. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential so your dentist can make sure that your bite is right and that your implants are not loose.