Dental implants are the closest replacements to natural teeth, and they are designed to allow patients to have a complete smile and begin chewing and biting as they used to do before losing teeth. At Stonegate Family Dentistry, we are committed to providing our patients with the care and support they need to undergo this procedure and regain their flawless smiles.
A dental implant is a surgically installed titanium post fixed underneath the gum line that allows the dentist to attach replacement teeth or another fixed appliance such as a bridge. These implants are made from titanium, which is the only metal capable of fusing with human bone. Dental implants also help maintain the integrity of the jawbone and prevent further bone loss.
The first step to go through in having a dental implant is consulting your dentist. Your general health — factors such as jawbone size, diabetes, and blood pressure — are considered before the actual process of placing the dental implant can be performed. An X-ray and scan of your mouth will help in preparing the patient for dental implant surgery.
The actual procedure starts with the numbing of teeth using local anesthesia. A small opening is then drilled in the jawbone in place of the missing tooth, and the titanium implant is inserted into it. The implant is fortified with dental cement. When that is done, a specific duration is allowed to complete the healing process and enable the jawbone to grow around the implant's grooves so that the gums start covering the stud partially. This step usually takes about three to four months.
Once the fusion of the implant with the jawbone is complete and the bone is healed, the dentist will attach a dental restoration such as a crown on the implant and check it for a perfect fit. It is permanently cemented using special adhesives. The crown is checked for proper bite and is finally polished.
Our Stonegate Family Dentistry team looks forward to meeting with you and developing a customized plan to meet your individual needs. Call Dentist in Murfreesboro, TN today at (615) 624-6919 or request an appointment online.
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