Do you need a permanent solution to missing teeth?

Though we do everything we can to keep ourselves safe, life tends to throw us curveballs. One of those life-altering things that no one wants to end up with is tooth loss. It could happen from poor life choices in the past, genetics, or even an accident. Regardless of the cause, tooth loss affects every part of your lives. Your smile changes, putting a damper on your self-esteem. This emotional shift tends to spread into your personal and work life, no matter how hard you try to ignore it.

Thankfully, modern technology, and us here at Compass Dental Group, have a way to save the day! Dental implants are the long-lasting solution for many who deal with one or more missing teeth. The process takes several steps, but every appointment gets you closer and closer to that smile you crave!

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are used to replace severely broken or missing teeth. They are an option whether you are missing a single tooth or multiple. These prosthetic teeth come in three parts—the post, abutment, and crown. The post and abutment rest below the gumline, adhering to the jaw itself and acting as the tooth’s natural root system. The crown attaches to the abutment, but not before it is custom made and color matched to the rest of your smile to ensure they look completely natural. Once finished, a dental implant can last a lifetime!

The Consultation and Evaluation

The place to start with any kind of restorative dentistry is with a consultation and evaluation. This lets the dentist and staff create the perfect plan for your own unique smile. This appointment includes X-rays to see exactly what’s going on beneath the surface. There will also be a health assessment to ensure implant suitability. When you come to your consultation, bring a notepad to write down any questions you might think of. We don’t want you to leave with any questions or confusion!

The Surgical Procedure

Next up is the surgical procedure itself. If you’ve never had any sort of surgery in the past, this part can be a little overwhelming. But don’t panic! It’s a minor procedure, we promise! To minimize any discomfort you might have, we use local anesthesia.

Depending on your specific case, this step sometimes has to be done in multiple visits. If you are dealing with severely broken teeth in the area where the implants will be, these will need to be removed first. Also, if there is any damage to the jawbone, it sometimes needs a little prep work before the implant as well. Considering the implants will adhere to the jaw itself, this step is incredibly important. Once everything else is taken care of, it’s time to place the post and abutment!

Healing and Recovery

The healing period can sometimes feel like the hardest part. You have the implant installed, but it’s not done yet! You have to wait for the implant to fuse with the bone, also known as osseointegration. This can take several months, but it will make your new implant just as strong, if not stronger, than your original teeth.

After the procedure, it’s common to have some swelling, bruising, discomfort, and minor bleeding at the site of the implant itself. This is completely normal, but if you have any concerns, be sure to contact your dentist! To help with the swelling and discomfort, you can take over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol when needed. Your dentist will also help you by giving specific aftercare instructions to fit your individual needs.

The Final Step: Placing the Crown

The final stage of getting implants is arguably the best! This is when your smile is officially completed! While you were waiting for the jawbone to osseointegrate with the post, the dental staff were hard at work creating that custom crown for you. This piece is made to match your other teeth perfectly. When the time comes for this final appointment, it’s time to attach this prosthetic to the abutment itself and revel in how natural it all looks and feels!

Let that smile shine! You’ve earned it.

Are you ready for a permanent solution?

Dental implants are perfect for people who want a permanent solution to their smile. Sure, they might take a few months to be installed, but they are made to last you a lifetime. The goal is to renew that previous confidence in your smile.

If you are one of the many people suffering from missing teeth, be sure to contact us and ask about dental implants. They might just be the missing link to your dream smile! Remember we are always here for you, whether you just need a simple dental cleaning or are looking into restorative dentistry. It’s time to create that perfect smile.