When one tooth is missing, an implant-supported restoration provides both functional and aesthetic benefits. Unlike traditional restorations that require the use of dental bridges, which compromise healthy adjacent teeth, single dental implants are self-supporting and natural-feeling.
Learn how your cosmetic dentist in Prairieville can help you restore your smile with this long-term treatment option.
Getting Started
The dental implant process is customized to meet the needs of each patient. The first phase consists of diagnostic procedures, including X-rays and CT scans to ensure that patients have enough jawbone to support the implant.
Dental implants are designed to last for decades with proper care and maintenance. They provide more strength and natural-looking appearance than other restorative treatments such as bridges or dentures. They also help preserve the health of the underlying jawbone by acting as an artificial tooth root.
Dental implants consist of three separate parts: the implant post, abutment, and crown. Biocompatible titanium is used to create the implant post, which acts like a tooth root. It fuses with the jawbone through a process known as osseointegration. A custom-made crown is then placed on the abutment to complete the restoration. The cost of the abutment and crown can vary depending on the material chosen and insurance coverage. Patients can expect to pay more for higher-quality materials.
The Implant Placement
Dental implants are a permanent solution to replacing one or more missing teeth. The first step is to schedule an implant consultation with a dentist. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your oral health to ensure you have sufficient bone structure for the surgery. The dentist will also perform X-rays and 3D imaging to determine the condition of your remaining teeth, gums, and jaw.
The dental surgeon will decide whether you need a bone graft to add material to the jawbone to support the implant. This will add a few weeks or months to the timeline of the procedure.
Getting single tooth implant Prairieville LA is an investment in your oral health and overall well-being. To help you manage the financial aspect of this procedure, consider using a medical credit card like Denefits. With flexible payment plans and a high approval rate, this card can make restoring your smile affordable. This is particularly important if you’re uninsured.
The Healing Phase
Dental implants are titanium replacements for the root of a missing tooth. They fuse with your jawbone over a period of months to provide a strong foundation for your new artificial teeth. This healing process is typically quick and comfortable.
Unlike traditional restorations like dentures and bridges, single dental implants are anchored in your mouth with no loosening or shifting and can enhance your quality of life without any additional oral hygiene precautions or dietary restrictions. They also feel and function just like natural teeth, so you can bite and chew normally, and speak confidently!
The implant placement procedure is done under local anesthesia with nitrous oxide or IV sedation. After numbing the area, the dentist makes a small opening in your gum tissue and inserts the implant post into the jawbone to replace the missing tooth’s root. In some cases, bone grafting is needed to increase the density of the jawbone before placing an implant.
The Restoration
Implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth that can last a lifetime when properly maintained. They restore biting and chewing function, enhance smile aesthetics, and prevent bone loss. Unlike traditional restorations, such as dental bridges, they do not require healthy neighboring teeth to be altered.
The titanium implant post, the abutment, and the single tooth implant Prairieville LA crown all work together to provide you with a permanent and natural-looking replacement tooth. Our dentist uses biocompatible titanium to create the implant post, which acts like your natural tooth root and provides a foundation for the rest of your replacement tooth.
We use the most advanced implant technology to ensure successful results. This includes guided implant surgery, which allows us to place your dental implants with precision while avoiding vital anatomical structures like nerves. Single-stage implants can also be placed at the same time as your tooth extraction – further minimizing your number of surgical procedures. Once your dental implant has healed, our doctor will attach the custom-made single tooth implant Prairieville LA crown.