Implants Are Good for Teeth, Too
People have been living with missing teeth for years. Even George Washington lost most of his, and wore wooden ones to help him get by. But at this point in history, we have many more options. The typical replacement is the removable prosthetic, know as a denture. This must be taken out every day and cleaned, and they need to be replaced every couple of years, so people who discover some other way usually opt for something else. The 2nd most popular alternative is a bridge; a fixed tooth that is connected to the adjacent teeth so they can be held in place permanently. These 2 substitutes are the most popular, and the one’s used most often for the past several years. Nevertheless, there is a relatively new technique called a dental implant. Dallas dental implants are replacement teeth that are anchored into the jaw bone that provide all the natural use of a real tooth, and none of the decay that can go along with them. Over time, the gums will grow in place, giving it a very natural look so that only you and your dentist will be able to see which one was replaced. Replacing one tooth with a dental implant is an operation that can be accomplished in the dentist’s chair, and will last about an hour. Sedation fluxgates between patients, but can consist of at least a local atheistic, and possibly some nitrous oxide to help people relax a little more. Once a socket is created in the jaw bone, usually the same hole that appeared from an extracted tooth; a titanium post is fixed in place and left to heal. Limited medication and antibiotics are utilized for those who may want it, but for only a few days. There is then a temporary replacement tooth is positioned in place while the patient is healing. Shortly after this first stage of implant surgery, the doctor will then take away a small amount of tissue to uncover the implant again, so that he can insert a post, or “abutment’, that will provide the crown something to sit on. Impressions will be made to realize the exact fit for each individual person. There is nothing typical about fitting teeth, they are as unique as a fingerprint and need to be placed with preciseness in order to be worn as naturally as can be. This whole operation will take more or less 3-6 months, based on the person. It is not unusual to have an implant put in place on the same appointment as an extraction, lowering the number of visits back to the dentist. This is known as ‘immediate implant placement’. A family dentist in Allen, Texas will discuss all your alternatives with you before any work is started because he understands what you are going through, and will do all he can to return you to normalcy; as fast as possible.