Premature tooth loss can devastate a person’s smile and negatively affect oral health. That is why it’s so important for dental patients to seek prompt treatment for tooth loss; restorative treatment has aesthetic as well as structural benefits.
Today, our Saint Louis dental implant dentists are answering some commonly asked questions about dental implant replacement teeth. Keep reading to learn more!
Q: How do dental implants stay in place?
A: While dentures and bridges sit on top of the patient’s gum tissue, a dental implant is actually anchored in the patient’s jawbone with a titanium screw. Essentially, the screw replaces the missing natural tooth root. Once the implant is anchored, it stays in place permanently.
Q: What does it feel like to have a dental implant?
A: Once your dental implant is in place, and the insertion site has healed, your dental implant won’t really feel any different than your natural teeth. You’ll be able to eat and drink normally, as well as clean your smile by brushing, flossing, and keeping up with professional cleanings. Basically, dental implants fit in seamlessly with the patient’s existing smile.
Q: How do I begin dental implant treatment?
A: The first step is to schedule a consultation with our dental team. This assessment allows us to evaluate your smile to determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants. Some dental patients need to undergo bone grafting to build up the jawbone tissue prior to having their titanium implant roots inserted. Our dental team will let you know if there are any oral health issues that need to be addressed before you undergo dental implant treatment.
If you’re battling tooth loss, now is the time to seek treatment and rebuild your smile. Please do not let this oral health issue persist unaddressed, as this puts you at risk of developing a host of related oral health issues down the road. Give our Saint Louis dental implant dentists a call to learn more and to schedule a personal consultation!