Have questions about dental implants? You’ve come to the right place! Our dental implant dentist in South Bend, IN, would be more than happy to help you explore your tooth replacement options. Call Douglas J. Kosek DDS to schedule an appointment.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about the dental implant procedure.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root that’s made out of a titanium alloy. During oral surgery, this implant is embedded in the jawbone where it’ll fuse to your bone tissue over the course of several months. This is an essential process called osseointegration that will determine the success of the dental implant procedure.
Once the implant has fused properly to the bone, it’ll be ready to support an abutment and dental crown. Together, the implant, abutment, and crown will give you the full function and appearance of a natural tooth.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. Unlike dentures, you’ll never have to worry about your dental implants slipping out of place when you make an abrupt movement. Instead, dental implants are embedded in the jawbone to offer the ultimate stability while you eat, talk, smile, and laugh. Dental implants can also last the rest of your life with proper care.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
You may be a if you have one or more missing teeth. However, you’ll also need enough bone density in your jaw to support the implant. If you don’t have sufficient jawbone density, we may recommend that you get a bone graft to augment the tissue you already have.
It’s also preferred that you be a non-smoker in order to be a candidate for the . This is because smoking inhibits your body’s natural healing ability after dental implant surgery.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants can last a lifetime as long as you practice good oral hygiene. This means you’ll need to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes at a time. You’ll also need to floss once daily to remove plaque and food particles that are caught between teeth.
While dental implants can last for decades, the porcelain crowns will need to be replaced every five to 15 years. In general, the healthier your mouth, the longer your dental crowns will last.
During your routine checkups, our South Bend dental implant dentist will check the condition of your porcelain crowns and recommend replacements as needed so you can maintain a healthy, attractive smile.
Request an Appointment with Dr. Kosek
Douglas J. Kosek DDS is an experienced . He’s also accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you explore your tooth replacement options. To schedule an appointment and learn if you’re a candidate for dental implants, please call (574) 232-2992. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
