Tooth loss impacts your life in several ways, such as difficulties chewing and eating and feeling self-conscious about smiling, talking, or interacting with other people.
Did you know losing one or multiple teeth also impacts your dental health? When you lose a tooth, you also lose a root. Your bone slowly deteriorates without a root to keep it healthy and stimulated. This may not sound like a big deal; however, bone loss means a lack of support for neighboring teeth, and it can even change the appearance of your face, creating a sunken look.
The good news is that dental implants solve this problem by replacing both your tooth and root, protecting your smile and dental health. We'll review the dental implant process step-by-step so you can decide if they're the right option for you.
How Do Dental Implants in Evansville, IN, Work?
A tooth implant comprises three integral parts that work together to replace your tooth.
- The implant—Gently placed into your jawbone during a simple surgical procedure where it takes the place of your root.
- The abutment—Connects the implant to its restoration.
- The restoration—A porcelain crown customized for a single tooth or a bridge or denture to replace multiple teeth.
A dental implant restores function and aesthetics to your smile while being the closest option to a natural tooth.
The Dental Implant Process Step-By-Step
Step #1 The Initial Evaluation
If you're considering tooth implants to restore your smile, the first step is booking an evaluation with our trusted implant dentist. They will use this time to gather information with x-rays, 3-D imaging, photos, and a thorough exam to evaluate your needs.
We'll discuss the treatment process, completion timeframes, and the cost of your treatment. After your evaluation, you'll have all the information you need to make the best decision for your smile.
Step #2 Implant Placement Surgery
If you proceed with dental implants, the next step is surgical placement. Dr. Frounfelter can complete the procedure from start to finish here in our Evansville dental office, so you'll feel confident working with a dental team you already know and trust.
Dr. Frounfelter places the implant into your bone, where it will heal and integrate with your bone over time through a process called osseointegration. The healing, or osseointegration process, takes three to six months. When it's completed, your implant will provide the same stability as your tooth root, ready to support your restoration.
Step #3 The Implant Restoration
When your implant is ready to support a restoration, our dentists will customize a ceramic porcelain crown if you're replacing one tooth or a porcelain bridge or acrylic denture to restore multiple missing teeth.
A dental implant provides exceptional stability for denture wearers, so there is no worry about the denture's movement or slippage while talking, laughing, or eating.
Step #4 Dental Implant Aftercare
Caring for your implant is very important to help avoid failure, and the good news is that it couldn't be easier! Because your implant closely mimics a natural tooth, you can brush it and floss it like a natural tooth.
Routine visits to your Evansville dentist every six months for preventive cleanings and checkups are also critical for the health of your implant. Our dentist uses comprehensive exams and yearly x-rays to monitor the health of your tooth implant and inform you of any potential problems before they become more significant concerns.
Types of Dental Implants: Single Tooth Replacement vs All-on-X
We can use one dental implant to support a ceramic porcelain crown and replace one missing tooth.
All-on-x uses multiple implants to support a bridge or denture. Depending on your needs and the type of restoration we're designing, Dr. Frounfelter may use two to six implants.
The Significant Advantages of Dental Implants
Because they are most like a natural tooth, dental implants offer certain advantages that other tooth replacement options do not:
- Protection of bone health and stability
- The look, function, and feeling of a natural tooth
- Stability for bite and tooth alignment
- Simple care and maintenance
- Excellent longevity
- Wise smile investment due to excellent longevity
Dental implants may be a better long-term investment for patients over other tooth replacement choices that they may have to replace in the future.
Would You Like More Information about Tooth Implants?
If you'd like to determine if you're a candidate for dental implants, we invite you to contact your trusted implant dentist in Evansville, IN, to book an evaluation and learn more. You can talk with a team member at All in the Family Dental at (812) 423-6113 or request an appointment online.