At Greenwell Springs Family Dentistry, dental implants are metal posts surgically inserted into your jawbone beneath your gums. Titanium is used because of its compatibility with the human body and naturally bonds with bone through osseointegration.

Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. And since they are permanent, you won’t have to worry about removing them every night as you would with dentures. In addition to allowing you to eat and speak normally, dental implants help to preserve the bone in your jaw, which deteriorates when even one tooth is lost. As a result, they can offer both functional and aesthetic benefits. They also provide the benefit of not requiring the support of your surrounding teeth, as bridges do. The durability and stability of dental implants allow you to maintain an active lifestyle without worrying that your implants will fall out.

Types Of Dental Implants

Endosteal Implants

These implants are shaped like screws or cylinders, and they are placed into the jawbone through surgery. They are the most commonly used type of dental implant because they are very durable and last a long time. They also look the most natural.

Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants are metal posts on the jawbone underneath the gum tissue. The implant is surgically implanted into the patient’s jaw, which must heal for about four to six months. During this time, the jaw bone grows around the and attaches to the post. These posts are permanent fixtures in the mouth and require no removal except regular cleanings. Subperiosteal implants are a good treatment option for patients with a shallow jawbone who may not qualify for treatment with traditional dental implants.

The Procedure for Dental Implants

If you are a good candidate, the dentist will refer you to an implant specialist who will place the implant post into your jaw. The jaw bone will need to heal for a few months after the implant is placed before the dental implant can be restored with a crown. Once the implant has healed and a lab has fabricated the restoration, it will be time for your permanent restoration to be placed onto the implant post. In a single-tooth replacement with dental implants, the dental crown is fabricated to match the color and shape of your other teeth to look as natural as possible. Your dentist will also want to check your bite to verify that your restoration will not hit any other teeth in your smile. Once the dentist has confirmed your restoration's correct fit and appearance, it will be placed onto your dental implant post to complete your smile makeover process.

To learn more about dental implants and their benefits, visit Greenwell Springs Family Dentistry at 14127 Greenwell Springs Road, Greenwell Springs 70739, or call (225) 261-0043 to schedule a consultation with us today! We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have about this procedure and help you decide if this is the right option for you.