Richview Family Dentistry can give you more options when it comes to tooth replacements

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are metal posts or frames that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums. Once in place, they allow your dentist to mount replacement teeth onto them.

How do Dental Implants Work?

Because implants fuse to your jawbone, they provide stable support for artificial teeth. Dentures and bridges mounted to implants won’t slip or shift in your mouth — an especially important benefit when eating and speaking. This secure fit helps the dentures and bridges — as well as individual crowns placed over implants — feel more natural than conventional bridges or dentures.

For some people, ordinary bridges and dentures are simply not comfortable or even possible, due to sore spots, poor ridges or gagging. In addition, ordinary bridges must be attached to teeth on either side of the space left by the missing tooth. An advantage of implants is that no adjacent teeth need to be prepared or ground down to hold your new replacement tooth/teeth in place.

To receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. You must also commit to keeping these structures healthy. Meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.

The American Dental Association considers two types of implants to be safe. They are:

• Endosteal implants — these are surgically implanted directly into the jawbone. Once the surrounding gum tissue has healed, a second surgery is needed to connect a post to the original implant. Finally, an artificial tooth (or teeth) is attached to the post-individually or grouped on a bridge or denture.
• Subperiosteal implants — these consist of a metal frame that is fitted onto the jawbone just below the gum tissue. As the gums heal, the frame becomes fixed to the jawbone. Posts, which are attached to the frame, protrude through the gums. As with endosteal implants, artificial teeth are then mounted to the posts.

Top Oral Care Tips for implants

Most dental implants are successful, and there are a few steps you can take to help ensure success and make your implant last.

• Practice good oral hygiene – brush twice a day and floss once daily. Using interdental brushes, brushes that slide between teeth can help clean the hard to reach areas around your implant.
• Quit smoking – smoking can weaken the bone structure and can contribute to implant failure.
• Visit your dentist – cleanings and exams every six months can help ensure your implant is in good condition, and that it stays that way.
• Avoid chewing on hard foods – don’t chew on hard items such as ice and hard candy because they can break the crown and your natural teeth.

Experienced staff at Richview Family Dentistry

Both Dr. Nina Sherrill and Dr. Bill Wall are experienced in dental implants and can help you decide if implants are a good fit for your oral care.

Dr. Wall has 20 years of experience with dental implants, from single-tooth replacement to full-mouth restoration. In August of 2006, Dr. Wall was awarded a fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.  

If you want to find out if you’re a candidate for dental implants and want more information, make an appointment today at Richview Family Dentistry. We’re located at 2289 Rudolphtown Rd. Clarksville, TN 37040. Phone (931) 647-2243.

Source:
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/implants/what-are-dental-implants