Dental Implants in Owensboro, KY
If you have one or more missing teeth, you’re undoubtedly wishing for replacements that look and feel like the real thing. Thankfully, that’s possible with dental implants from your dentist in Owensboro, KY. Since they mimic your natural tooth, the implants won’t interfere with chewing, talking, or otherwise going about your day. You can then complete all your daily activities without worry about your replacement teeth causing any issues.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants feature an artificial titanium tooth root that holds a bridge or crown in place. The implant is surgically placed in or on top of the jawbone, so it can fuse in place as the bone heals. This provides excellent stability and a natural look and feel, so you can enjoy your meals and conversations to the fullest.
Depending on your overall dental health, your Owensboro, KY, dentist may recommend either endosteal or subperiosteal implants.
Endosteal
Made from titanium screws or blades, the endosteal implants are used most often. Your dentist will create a cavity in your jawbone for the implant, and then put the artificial root in place. You’ll have to wait six weeks for the bone to grow around the implant and anchor it in place. Once it’s healed, you can have the bridge or crowns fitted to complete your smile.
Subperiosteal
Subperiosteal implants are placed on top of your jawbone and held in place by your gums. Like endosteal implants, they will fuse with your jawbone as the area heals.
Due to advancements in dental technology, including bone grafting, subperiosteal implants are not used as often as they were in the past. This type of dental implants might still be a good choice if your jawbone shape or structure will not allow for the placement of endosteal implants. They’re also beneficial if you don’t want bone grafts to build up your jawbone or need to speed up the healing process.
Your dentist in Owensboro, KY, will help you figure out which dental implants are best for your needs at your consultation appointment.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Getting Implants
When teeth fall out, the jawbone slowly starts to weaken and lose material. So, it’s important to seek suitable replacements as soon as you lose any teeth. You can meet with your dentist to explore your options. They will help you figure out which cosmetic dentistry procedures will serve you best, including dental bridges and implants.
If you prefer to go with dental implants, you can expect your Owensboro, KY, dentist to move through the following steps.
Eligibility Assessment
Your dentist will need to check that you’re a good candidate for dental implants before moving forward in creating the treatment plan. They will perform a full exam, and then take dental x-rays and 3D images from all angles. They may use those images to create models of your teeth and jaw to further aid in the planning process.
Your Owensboro, KY, dentist will also look at your medical and dental history, including current health problems and medications. Then, they will need to use all that information to determine if dental implants will work for your needs and which type to use.
Treatment Plan
Once your dentist confirms that you’re a good candidate for dental implants in Owensboro, KY, they will work with you to create a suitable treatment plan. They will let you know if you need tooth removal, jawbone grafts, and other dental procedures to prepare for the placement of each implant. During that process, they will figure out if they should use general or local anesthesia for each surgical procedure.
Tooth Removal
If you have any seriously decayed or damaged teeth, your dentist may feel it’s best to remove them before fitting your other implants. You can then have another implant placed at the same time as the others.
Bone Grafting
If you do not have enough jawbone material to support your implants, you may need a bone graft. This is also a good idea if the bone material in your jaw is too soft. The bone graft procedure rebuilds your jawbone to improve its strength and structure.
Your dentist will either use natural bone from elsewhere in your body or a synthetic substitute. Either way, your jaw must have enough time to heal and fuse to the transplanted material before moving onto the next steps.
Implant Placement
Depending on the type of dental implants you get, your dentist will either place the artificial root in or on the jawbone. They will prepare the area by either drilling into the jawbone or just opening up the gums. Then, they will fit the dental implant in place and suture your gums around it. You may receive a temporary denture to wear in the gap while the implant heals, which can take several months.
Abutment Fitting
In some cases, you may need to have an abutment attached to the implant before the bridge or crown goes in. If that’s the case, then you’ll need two more weeks of healing time before moving forward.
Bridge or Crown Placement
After giving your implants enough time to heal and anchor into your jawbone, you can go back to your Owensboro, KY, dentist for your bridge or crown. Depending on your preferences, the replacement teeth are either fixed or removable.
Through every stage of the dental implant preparation and placement process, it’s important to always follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions. They will let you know what to eat, how to care for the surgical site, and other ways to promote fast healing. Once you’re fully healed with your crowns or bridges in place, you can resume your normal activities and move on with your daily life.
Ready to Get Dental Implants in Owensboro, KY?
If you’d like to replace your missing teeth with dental implants, simply call 270-274-3645 to schedule a visit to our Owensboro, KY, dental clinic. Your dentist will make sure that you’re a good candidate for this procedure and help you decide if this solution is right for you. Please feel free to reach out to our team any time to explore all your tooth replacement options and find a lasting solution.
