When patients with a missing tooth ask for the best and most realistic looking replacement option, Dr. Karen Tiwana usually recommends a dental implant. With this light surgical procedure, she can permanently attach a new (fake) tooth directly to the jawbone so that it functions like a normal tooth. Patients in Pittsboro, NC interested in completing their smile should visit Chatham Dental Arts to receive top notch care.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
If you have a missing tooth (or teeth) and are in good health overall, you are likely a strong candidate for dental implants. Since implants must be attached to a sturdy jawbone, candidates must either have strong bone or be willing to undergo an additional surgery that bolsters the jawbone.
After examining your mouth, Dr. Tiwana can confirm whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. In situations where multiple teeth are missing (particularly in a row), another solution like a dental bridge may prove to be more cost-effective.
What Are the Benefits of a Dental Implant?
To begin, a dental implant addresses your cosmetic concerns. The prosthetic tooth is made to match the color and size of your other teeth to provide your mouth with a complete and beautiful smile.
A dental implant also improves your bite. Attempting to chew with a missing tooth can be challenging or uncomfortable, but an implant works in the same way as a real tooth so you can chew normally. This can prevent further jaw pain and misalignment caused by altering your bite to avoid chewing on one side.
A missing tooth can also affect your speech; a dental implant can improve slurring or a speech impediment that you may experience.
What Is Getting a Dental Implant Like?
Dr. Tiwana completes a dental implant over two appointments. At the first one, she administers localized anesthesia and inserts a titanium post directly into your jawbone where the tooth is missing. You then return home and wait a few months to ensure that the post has correctly attached. A temporary crown is placed atop the post in the interim.
After your mouth has healed completely, you return to Chatham Dental Arts so that Dr. Tiwana can screw the permanent implant onto the post. You can confirm that the size, shape and color of your implant are to your liking and match the other teeth in your mouth. Dr. Tiwana can make any necessary adjustments so that you are wholly satisfied with your new tooth.
What Kind of Results Can You Expect from Dental Implants?
Dental implants are built to last. With proper care, your dental implant should last a few decades (if not a lifetime). To keep the implant in good condition, you should brush and floss your implant as you do all your real teeth and avoid chewing on hard objects, especially non-food items like pens and fingernails.
Learn More about Dental Implants from a Top Dentist
Dr. Tiwana is a well-educated, experienced dentist who has helped patients to replace a missing tooth with dental implants. If you are curious whether a dental implant is the right solution for a gap in your smile, please reach out to Chatham Dental Arts today by calling (919) 542-4911.