Get all your questions regarding this tooth loss replacement answered.

Losing a tooth is serious business. While no one wants to deal with tooth loss, it happens to millions of Americans. If you are one of them, know that your new smile can easily be achieved by seeing your Desoto and Dallas, TX cosmetic dentist, Dr. Saheed Lawal-Solarin. Learn more about dental implants and how they replace teeth.

Q. What are dental implants?

A. An implant all by itself doesn’t actually look like a tooth. In fact, this metal prosthesis is designed to function like tooth roots to hold a single dental crown, bridge or dentures in place. The implant is the part that integrates with your jawbone to become a permanent structure. From there a dental crown or other restoration is placed over top of the implant to restore your missing tooth or teeth.

Q. Who should consider getting dental implants in Desoto and Dallas?

A. Many patients who are dealing with tooth loss can benefit from getting implants, and you could too! Of course you’ll want to have optimum oral and general health. Especially if you’re going to undergo surgery we want to make sure you are healthy. Your smile should also be free of decay or gum disease and you shouldn’t be dealing with any uncontrolled health problems or have a suppressed immune system.

Q. How is an implant placed?

A. Your Desoto and Dallas dentist will drill a small hole into the jawbone and then place the implant inside the hole. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia so you won’t feel a thing. Then the implant is given a couple months to fuse with the bone to become one.

Once this occurs either an attachment (known as an abutment) is placed over the implant to help connect it with the crown or the implant already has an abutment attached to it, in which case only the crown or other restoration needs to be cemented into place.

Q. How long do they last?

A. What makes implants so ideal is that they are designed to last the rest of your life. Of course, this means doing your part to make sure that you keep your implant healthy and clean. This means brushing after every meal and flossing daily to make sure there is no plaque or tartar buildup. Treat your implant just like a real tooth and you’ll enjoy it for the rest of your life.

Want to find out if dental implants are the right way to replace your missing teeth? Then it’s time you visited the Desoto and Dallas, TX dental team at Lantern Dental. Call us today!