We offer quality, experience,
and the latest in esthetic dentistry.
Get Dental Implants to Replace Lost Teeth
If you lose a tooth for any reason, the greatest thing you can do is replace it as soon as possible. A missing tooth can cause misalignment, bone deterioration and can have a significant impact on your self-esteem. There are various options for replacing a missing tooth, and Cedar Ridge Esthetic and Family Dentistry are the dental implant experts in Urbandale, Iowa. A dental implant is the most common restoration surgery. An implant is a lengthy surgical process that yields long-lasting and desired outcomes. We have created this page to help you better understand the procedure and benefits of a dental implant. Learn more about why you should get dental implants to replace lost teeth.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a surgically implanted tooth replacement. The technique consists of three steps, each of which must be completed at a different time. The procedure may appear lengthy, but it results in a permanent tooth replacement that can last decades if properly cared for. The implant is designed to fit the anatomy of your teeth so that they will blend in with your other teeth. Nobody, including yourself, will be able to tell you have a dental implant.
What is the Procedure for a Dental Implant?
The entire dental implant surgery can take up to six months on average. This is because of the many different steps that are spread out, enabling your mouth to heal. The post, abutment, and crown are the three components of an implant that are all placed at a separate time.
The post is the first component to be installed. The post resembles a metal screw and will replace your tooth’s root. A local anesthetic will be administered to help ease any discomfort you may feel. We encourage you to inquire about our various sedation alternatives to let you feel more at ease while prepping for the surgery. The dentist will drill deep into the jaw bone, exposing the gums and making a place for the post. Once the post is placed, your mouth will require time to heal, setting it in place.
The abutment is the second piece of the implant that is placed in your mouth. You’ll go back to the dentist at a later date once your mouth has healed around the post. The abutment serves as a connecting element between the post and the crown. It’s what will keep the crown in place. Your mouth, particularly your gum line, will need time to heal around the abutment once it is placed on top of the post. While you wait, you will receive a temporary crown.
The crown is the last component of a dental implant. While you are going through the implant process, a crown will be made to fit your exact specifications in terms of shape and color. Once placed, it will blend in with the surrounding teeth and be entirely undetectable. It is typical to have some sensitivity in your mouth when this portion is installed, but your implant can be utilized immediately. Over time, you will not even be able to tell that you have a dental implant. It will feel completely natural.
All qualifying patients at Cedar Ridge Esthetic and Family Dentistry in Urbandale, Iowa, can receive dental implants to help them regain a bright, attractive smile. If you have a missing tooth, we urge you to schedule an appointment to determine if a dental implant is the best solution for you. If you have any further questions about dental implants, please give us a call or come into our office today!