Find out how dental implants are able to replace missing teeth for life.
Are you missing one or more teeth? Are you looking for a restoration that will not just look like the rest of your teeth but also function similarly? If you said “yes” then it’s time to talk to our Matthews, NC, dentist Dr. David Feeney about how dental implants could improve the health and appearance of your smile.
What is a dental implant?
An implant is a very small metal restoration that is placed into the jawbone below the gum line. While the implant isn’t visible when you smile, it will provide a long-term and stable foundation from which to support a false tooth. Implants can be a lifelong restoration because they actually fuse together naturally with the bone and tissue in a process known as osseointegration. Once osseointegration is complete, the implant will now function in the same way as natural tooth roots.
How long does it take to get dental implants?
Getting implants requires multiple steps and several months. The length of your treatment will depend on factors such as your health, how quickly the implant bonds with the jawbone and how many implants you are getting. After all, several implants can be placed along the jawbone to support a complete set of dentures (this process will take longer than for those patients only receiving a single dental implant).
Theses multiple treatment steps include:
- Consultation, physical exam and x-rays
- Minor surgery to place the implant
- 3-6 months to allow the mouth to heal and for the jawbone to fuse together with the implant
- Another minor procedure to place the abutment, a connector that sits on top of the implant
- Fitting and then permanently cementing the dental crown over the abutment to complete the implant
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
If you are an adult dealing with tooth loss then chances are you could benefit from getting dental implants in Matthews, NC. Of course, our restorative dentist will need to perform a thorough examination complete with x-rays to make sure that your jawbone and the rest of your mouth is healthy enough to support an implant.
Do you have questions about getting dental implants in Matthews, NC? Do you want to find out if you are an ideal candidate for this restoration? If so, then call our dental office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Feeney.