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There may be a suitable alternative for people suffering the fate of missing teeth and/or wearing dentures. Dental implants can replace missing and diseased teeth along with the help to stabilize a denture. It is a restoration that supports an artificial tooth and is most similar to having a natural tooth.

Are dental implants suitable for you?

The best way to know if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants is to talk to your dentist or dental surgeon. In the past, candidates would need to have had healthy gum and bone to be seen by a specialist. With today’s technology and advancements, dental implants can be placed in areas that once were deemed unfit (You would still need to be seen by a dental implant surgeon to be sure you can have your procedure). Once your implants (and crown) have been placed, you will be seen by a hygienist for regular cleanings.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

The advantages of dental implants are amazing. Replacing a tooth or many teeth, is not only cosmetic, but you will be able to drastically improve the ability to adequately chew food, prevent a deformed looking face caused by missing teeth, dispense with the need for dentures and the overnight soaking to clean the them, there are no adhesives required, and dental implants can be utilized by patients of all ages.

So, what exactly is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a titanium post that is placed into the jaw to replace the root of a missing tooth. Manufactured from a number of materials including titanium the dental implants then have crowns (the part of the teeth you can see when you smile) positioned onto them.

What does the dental implant process entail?

The dental implant process usually requires a few steps and several months. The following is a brief explanation of the process. First, the patient will see the dental implant specialist for a consultation that will lead to an itemized treatment plan and procedures. Then the patient will come back for their surgical step. Depending on what the treatment is for, this could be a one-step implant process in which [for example] a tooth is extracted and an implant can be placed on the same day. Other procedures require extraction of a tooth and some bone grafting, then a few months of healing followed by placement of the dental implant. After the dental implant has healed, a crown is then placed by a restorative dentist or a team member in the surgeon’s office. Everyone has different needs and treatment. One person can have everything done in one day, whereas someone else could take almost a year. It is best for the patient to be seen by an implant doctor to really see where this treatment can go. You can visit us on the web at www.ncimplant.com for more information.