Dental Implants and You
Dental implants are one of the most advanced and useful practices in modern dentistry. These appliances have the ability to transform a patient’s mouth and restore their former quality of life. These durable replacements can last for decades, restore function and aesthetics to a smile, and enable a patient to eat and speak with confidence. As a Melbourne, Florida dental practitioner, Dr. Brazdo enjoys using this advanced technology to provide her patients with spectacular results every day.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are devices that are placed in the jaw bone and used to totally replace a lost tooth or to anchor other dental appliances, like dentures and bridges, into place. They are made up of two parts. A titanium rod which fuses into the jaw bone, and a expertly crafted crown which is placed on top of this rod and replaces the tooth aesthetically and functionally. Dental implants are changing the way people live and have revolutionized dental restorations and artistry.
Choosing A Dental Implant
When you lose a tooth or require the extraction of a tooth, the option of a dental implant will be made available to you. Choosing a dental implant is a personal decision, but when you are seeking a permanent and hassle-free solution to many different dental woes a dental implant may be the perfect solution for you. After the periodontal ligament is disrupted by the loss of a tooth, bone loss in the jaw quickly follows. When the jaw bone begins to deteriorate at a rapid pace this can compromise bone in other areas of the body and cause further bone and tooth loss. It will always be the recommendation of your Melbourne, Florida dentist to fortify the underlying bone as to prevent any further damage done to the jaw. A dental implant can put an immediate stop to jawbone loss and replace a tooth which restores the functionality and look of a smile.
Dental implants also are the most natural of all tooth replacements because they do not need to be removed and once placed and healed can be cared for just as natural teeth. With very little disruption, dental implants can provide a smile the foundation it needs to remain healthy and the aesthetics a patient will be happy with.
Placement of Dental Implants
If you decide that dental implants are right for you, your Melbourne, Florida dentist will take an x-ray of your jaw to determine where the implant should go. If you have healthy bone tissue she will be able to place the implant directly into your bone along with a material that will facilitate the growth of bone. If your bone is not healthy a bone graft may be necessary to facilitate the regrowth of bone and successful implantation. The implant itself can take, on average six months to integrate into the bone and heal before the crown is placed on top. During this time much care must be taken to protect the implant from infection and undue pressure.
Caring for Dental Implants
While dental implants are very similar to natural teeth caring for them while they heal and afterward is extremely important. Nearly ten percent of all dental implants fail due to an infection called peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is a condition that develops after the bone surrounding the dental implant becomes infected. This can happen if a biofilm develops when the implant is placed or if proper hygiene is not practiced. While your implant is healing it is important you follow all instructions provided by Dr. Brazdo. Be gentle around the site of the implant but strive to keep the area clean. Once the implant has healed and the permanent crown has been placed, it is important to take impeccable care of your mouth with twice daily brushing for two minutes each time and daily flossing. This will keep the site of the implant clean and free of bacteria that can cause infection.
If you have lost teeth and are seeking a strong, healthy smile call today to schedule a consultation for dental implants with your Melbourne, Florida dentist.