What’s the best way to replace a missing tooth? If a patient qualifies, it’s definitely the dental implant. Secure, realistic-looking and functioning naturally, the dental implant from Monet Aesthetic Dentistry in Farmington has a high success rate and is likely the last dental prosthetic a patient will ever need.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a truly artificial tooth. Unlike partial dentures or fixed bridgework which rest on top of the gums, the dental implant resides in the patient’s jaw bone. This anchorage makes the implant stable and secure, and it also strengthens the underlying jaw bone.
The dental implant itself is made up of three parts:
- A titanium screw or cylinder surgically placed in the patient’s jaw during an in-office surgery
- A metal alloy post which extends above the gums
- A porcelain crown restoration
Dr. Leslie Metzger refers her implant patients to a trusted oral surgeon in the Farmington area. This dentist actually places the implant device in one visit. He or she incises the gums and inserts the titanium screw into the jaw. The site is closed with sutures.
Over the subsequent several weeks, the implant and bone adhere to each other through a natural process called osseointegration. Decades of research and placement of implants has shown osseointegration to be the secret behind the stability and longevity of these artificial teeth.
After full integration of the implant to the jaw, the patient returns to Monet Aesthetic Dentistry where Dr. Metzger places the post and custom-made porcelain crown.
Also, dental implants are versatile. Multiple dental implants can support fixed bridges or full or partial dentures, giving patients superior oral function and outstanding aesthetics.
Who Can Receive Dental Implants?
Dr. Metzger evaluates her patients through oral examination, X-rays and other kinds of imaging. In general, a person in good oral health, with sufficient jaw bone, can receive a dental implant. People with poorly controlled diabetes, HIV, gum disease or other serious health conditions generally are not good candidates. Smokers can receive dental implants, but Dr. Metzger encourages smoking cessation because tobacco use threatens implant retention.
Are Implants Successful?
The American Association of Endodontists says that dental implants succeed and are retained up to 98 percent of the time. Failure rates are extremely low when patients take care to brush twice a day and floss daily to remove harmful plaque. While implants cannot decay, they can develop an infection called peri-implantitis, a condition similar to gum disease. Peri-implantitis often necessitates the removal of implant devices. Dr. Metzger also recommends semi-annual check-ups and cleanings for all her implant patients.
Looking into Tooth Replacement?
Why not let Dr. Leslie Metzger show you the advantages of dental implants? They just might be the tooth replacement option you’ve been looking for to craft your beautiful and long-lasting smile.
Contact the friendly team at Monet Aesthetic Dentistry to arrange a restorative dentistry consultation.