Dental Implants
Dental Implants in Prairieville, LA
Dental Implants
Are unsightly missing teeth making you self-conscious about your smile? At Prestige Dentistry, we realize that not only can missing teeth be embarrassing, but they can cause discomfort and pain, and contribute to even more dental problems down the road. Whether missing teeth are preventing you from enjoying your favorite foods, you are embarrassed by not having teeth, or you are worried about shifting teeth, there is a solution for you called dental implants.
Dental implants are artificial roots that are surgically placed in the jawbone to replace the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. This alternative is an excellent option to replace teeth that are missing because of previous injury or periodontal disease. They function and look like a natural tooth, making it easy to eat, smile, and speak without pain or embarrassment.
Very often, people don’t realize why it’s valuable to replace teeth as quickly as possible. Replacement is important to prevent teeth from shifting into the spaces, bone loss, tooth decay, and issues with chewing. Although you may not have observed any gum or tooth problems, replacing a missing tooth is crucial to having healthy, functional dental health long-term. Even “hidden” gaps in the back of your mouth can result in a domino effect of shifting teeth to occupy the space.
Advantages
One of the unique advantages to a dental implant is that it does not require treatment on adjacent or surrounding teeth. The other alternatives of bridges and dentures require surrounding teeth to be cut down and treated, and they put extra stress on surrounding teeth. With implants, they are permanent and placed directly into the jawbone. This means that the jawbone provides the support for the artificial root. The new tooth also keeps the bone in place, providing protection of the gums and jawbone from shrinking.
Dental implants are also as simple to care for as your natural teeth, requiring just regular brushing and flossing. Replacing teeth with dental implants help stabilize your bite, thereby saving money and preventing the need for future dental treatment.
Process of Placing a Dental Implant
Placing an implant is typically a process that takes several months. First, the implant is surgically placed into the jaw. The top of the implant resides slightly above the top of the bone. A small cap is put on top of the implant to cover it and prevent gum tissue and debris from going through. If swelling or tenderness is present after surgery, pain medications can be prescribed to relieve any discomfort.
The implant continues to stay covered for about three to six months to allow the implant to integrate and fuse with the bone. After the integration between the bone and implant has occurred, the implant will be uncovered and is ready to be restored. Dr. Reena Oza will screw a post called an abutment onto the implant, which functions as the support for the “tooth” part seen above the gum line. The custom artificial tooth, or crown, will be made to fit onto the abutment. The crown is then cemented on the abutment, and is made to look just like a natural tooth in size, color, and shape.
A Lifelong Solution
Implants offer a modern solution that is one of dentistry’s most reliable and durable options. Once placed, they require no special care, other than proper brushing and flossing. The implant itself firmly merges with the jawbone and it is very rare that is requires replacement. It can prevent lifelong dental health problems such as changing tooth alignment, tooth decay, periodontal disease, jaw bone loss, gum disease, and ill-fitting dentures.
Give Us a Call to Find Out More
If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, give our Prairieville office a call today at (225)673-0445. Dr. Oza and her staff will be happy to review your implant options with you and find the treatment that best fits your needs.