In the recent past, dental patients missing one or more teeth had pretty limited options to correct the issue. Dentures, partials, or bridges were the only solutions available depending on the particular case. However, modern dental implants have been life-changing! For almost fifty years now, implants have been the standard of care in giving patients a safe, long-lasting way to restore their natural smiles. Accent Smile Center has everything you need to know about dental implants!
If you’re missing a tooth or multiple teeth, Dr. Gatgens and his team in Dickson can help enhance the appearance of your mouth and your smile, make it easier for you to eat what you want, and even improve your speech. To learn more about the dental implants we offer, keep reading below!
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are appliances used to replace a single missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, a floppy denture, or an entire upper or lower arch. They are crafted from titanium alloy, a naturally accepted material and highly compatible with the body. The implants are placed in the jaw to anchor the new teeth.
Once the implant area has healed, a small connector called an abutment is attached to the implant to hold the new tooth. At this point in the process, our Accent Smile Center team will take an impression of your teeth to create a model of your mouth. The new tooth, also known as a crown, is then attached. Crowns often look as natural as your teeth do, including the color and design shape, so they’re able to blend with your natural smile.
An experienced and highly trained dentist like Dr. Gatgens will create a customized treatment plan to help you chew and smile better and look and feel more confident! This plan will focus on every aspect of your care, including the surgical and restorative implant phases. Because Dr. Gatgens. has had extensive training in this procedure, you will not need to visit multiple doctors to complete the process.
Why should you choose to replace missing teeth with dental implants?
You may wonder why you should replace a missing tooth, especially if it’s not noticeable or causing any immediate problems. The truth is that sudden changes in your bite, like missing teeth, can cascade into other issues, including crowding, gaps between the teeth, or bone loss. When a tooth is missing, the other teeth along the same gum line will begin to shift inward to close the gap left behind by the missing tooth. This can alter how your top and bottom rows of teeth fit together and also affect long-term health with bone loss around the adjacent teeth.
Like many things, minor dental issues result in much bigger problems if left untreated over time. Our Accent Smile Center team recommends replacing a missing or partially missing tooth as soon as possible. Working with our team can help prevent you from experiencing the time and expense of major reconstructive dental work in the future.
What does the dental implant procedure involve?
What does the dental implant procedure involve?A dental implant procedure is normally conducted in three separate phases: the initial placement, impression, and delivery of the final tooth abutment and crown. Because every case is unique and everyone responds to treatment differently, the length of the process can range from three months to nine months, especially if bone grafting is necessary due to bone loss. While this may seem lengthy, the long-term success of implants depends on giving your body adequate time to heal and accept the implant before concluding treatment.
Phase 1- Implant Planning & Records
Once you decide that you want to pursue dental implant treatment, we will examine the bone structure around the missing tooth or teeth by taking an impression of your jaws. If the tooth is only partially missing, the remaining tooth structure will be removed at the time of the procedure.
The proper bone height, width, and density are necessary to properly place an implant in the best location to give an outcome similar to a natural tooth. If there is inadequate bone, grafting may be necessary before placing the implant. Grafting is a bit like spackling, so if this is necessary, you will need to wait a few months for the area to heal before moving on to the second phase. If bone grafting is not required, you may start Phase Two in the same session.
Phase 2- Implant Placement
During this stage of the treatment process, the dental implant will be inserted into the predetermined location based on the plan Dr. Gatgens creates before the surgery. This procedure usually lasts around 1-2 hours, and you’ll need to let the area heal for a few months. We will schedule you for regular check-ups in our Dickson office during this period.
Phase 3- Implant Restoration
This final phase is what we call implant restoration. Depending on which best fits your individual needs, Dr. Gatgens will restore a natural-looking dental crown on top of the abutment, which is attached to the implant, or a sturdy fixed bridge to the implant posts. If you need a total arch replacement or your denture replaced, then the entire teeth restoration will be attached to the implants. Regardless of the specific situation, your implants are the closest thing possible to natural teeth, restoring functionality and significantly improving the appearance of your smile!
What are the specific benefits of dental implants?
Unlike other options, a dental implant replaces the entire tooth, including the root. An implant can offer many advantages over alternatives in its capacity to function like a natural tooth. These include:
Feel good and look good—The most significant benefit is that you can eat what you want with a confident smile! You’ll never have to worry about food getting under partials or your dentures shifting uncomfortably. Additionally, having all your back teeth allows for the proper chewing and mastication of your food and takes the stress off your front teeth, keeping them from wearing down prematurely.
Durability—Most patients who are vigilant about oral hygiene can expect their implants to last a long time.
High success rate—Generally, dental implants will succeed in 95-98% of cases.
Natural appearance—Dental implants from Accent Smile Center are designed to look and feel like a natural tooth. Crowns can also be made with all-ceramic materials that match the appearance of your natural teeth. When you smile, no one will ever know that they’re not your real teeth!
Improved oral and digestive health—Because it integrates into the jawbone seamlessly, a dental implant won’t increase your risk for tooth decay or sensitivity like dental bridges sometimes can. Chewing your food properly with all your teeth also allows for better digestion and fewer digestive complications.
Improved jawbone strength—Since they don’t rely on support from the adjacent teeth, dental implants can keep your jawbone strong, and because it’s needed to support the implant, no jawbone loss will occur, either.
What is the recovery process like with dental implants?
Following a dental implant, you may experience slight discomfort and inflammation for a few days after the area heals. At Accent Smile Center, we provide dental implants in a comfortable and functional way. Applying ice packs will help reduce residual swelling and take the medication we have appropriately prescribed. We recommend a soft diet to minimize the chewing function after the procedure has been completed for a few weeks.
Caring for your dental implants
It’s essential to care for and maintain your dental implants like your natural teeth. You should always brush at least twice a day, for two minutes each time, and floss or use Waterpik flossers every night. A solid dental routine will help ensure the longevity of your implants and investment. Be sure to keep up with your regular hygiene cleanings and oral cancer screenings every six months to maintain your long-term and overall dental health.
How long will a dental implant last?
While it will depend somewhat on your age, overall oral health, and a few other factors, it’s not unusual for a dental implant to last a very long time. Implants have an established track record of long-term stability compared to other teeth replacement options. By scheduling regular check-ups with our Dickson office and maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine at home, you can help ensure your implants stay strong and healthy over many years.
Restore your smile with dental implants from Accent Smile Center
Restore your smile with dental implants from Accent Smile CenterDental implants can be an ideal permanent solution for missing or partially missing teeth. Once you’ve completed the process, they are no different from your teeth in terms of function and appearance. Unlike dentures, partials, or bridges, which can sometimes contribute to the bone and tissue degrading over time, implants help to keep the bone and gum tissue healthy and strong.
If you have missing teeth or are experiencing issues with smiling or eating, don’t miss out on another minute! We can help you smile confidently AND eat all the foods with dental implants. Schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible if you have a missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, or a denture that doesn’t fit well, and let us determine if you’re a candidate for this treatment option TODAY.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation if you’re in Dickson or the surrounding areas and want to learn more about how dental implants can improve your oral health and quality of life. We would love to meet you and show you everything we have to offer to create lasting, healthy, and beautiful smiles!