Missing a Tooth? An Implant Might be the Solution

If you’re missing a tooth or a few, you may be uncomfortable with your smile or have some difficulty chewing. What you won’t be able to see though is the bone loss that follows a missing tooth. In all of these cases, an implant can help. Simply, an implant is a procedure where the dentist places an artificial tooth where the original is missing, including the root of the tooth! What this means for you is that you have a full smile, a working tooth, and it preserves your bone. Getting an implant is a process, but well worth it. Let’s break the process down.

It all begins with a consultation. Warise Family Dentistry offers implants as well as general dentistry to our patients. Whether you haven’t been to dentist in years or you come here every 6 months, we can come up with a treatment plan just for you! We’ll take some x-rays that will help us evaluate both the implant site and the entire mouth. We will discuss alternative options such as bridges, dentures or partials, your health history, and finances. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you have! We want to help you make the best decision for you!
This process can start a few ways: You might have a damaged tooth that cannot be saved by a root canal or crown and needs to be extracted to preserve your oral health. Or you could have a tooth that you lost several years ago. In either case, the doctor will personally evaluate your case so that you receive the best treatment.

It’s possible that you may not have enough bone for the implant. If that is the case, don’t worry! Often bone can be added, although this will add time to the implant procedure. When enough bone is present, the dentist will insert the implant into the bone. Afterwards, a few months of waiting are necessary to ensure that your body heals from the surgery, and a temporary partial can be used to cover the implant site if esthetics are a concern.

Next, the dentist will place the abutment. This connects the crown of the tooth to the post already placed. Then in two weeks, we will place a permanent porcelain crown on top of the abutment. We choose the crown to match your natural teeth. When finished, the implant functions and feels much like your natural tooth, is more stable than removable partials, and doesn’t affect your adjacent teeth like a bridge does.

If you are intrigued after reading this, please give us a call at 615-459-3366. We would love to set up a free consultation and set up a personalized treatment plan for you, and answer any questions of course!