The idea of having a tooth extracted can lead to a significant amount of concern over our future smile. Whenever possible, the team at Morning Star Dentistry strives to avoid needing to remove a tooth. However, when it becomes inevitable, dental implants provide a superior and effective alternative to crowns and bridges to restore your smile. In addition to being durable and attractive, they’re also able to reinforce the strength of our jaw. Dental implants are a great choice whether you have a single tooth that needs replacing or multiple teeth. Learn more about dental implants with Morning Star Dentistry below.
Did you know…
Success rates are extremely high for this procedure – especially in patients with healthy gums and sufficient bone structure. Furthermore, implants are very low-maintenance in comparison to other tooth replacement solutions. In fact, you can treat an implant in much of the same way you treat your other teeth.
How Dental Implants Restore Your Smile
To begin the process of receiving a dental implant, a special mounting screw is inserted into the jawbone and allowed to heal. This mounting screw is topped by an abutment, the point on which your final crown restoration will be affixed. Multiple teeth can be replaced using this mounting system, with an entire arch being fitted on to four individual mounts. Further, titanium stimulates bone growth and can join with it in a process known as osseointegration. This means the presence of these screws will actually strengthen your jawbone.
- Preparation – The first step of getting dental implants is the extraction of any teeth that need it. After the removal of these teeth, precise incisions will be made into the gums to expose the jawbone. A space will be created in the bone to accommodate the screws that need placement. Once in place, the gums will be stitched closed over them.
- Abutment – After a period of healing, these incisions will be re-opened to expose the top of the mounting screws. Dr. Justin Liggett will fix a structure known as an abutment to the top of these screws in preparation for receiving the crown. Dr. Liggett may opt to create a permanent set of crowns to be affixed to the abutments immediately using our in-house CEREC system. If so, this will represent the last stage of the process.
Dental implants only require the same degree of care you’d do for your normal teeth. Daily brushing, flossing, and the use of mouthwash will keep them looking great for years to come. During your twice-annual visits to the Morning Star Dentistry office in Sonora, CA, the crowns will be cleaned and checked for damage. If any damage to the crown or abutment is identified, Dr. Liggett will review the necessary steps to address those issues.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
If you think dental implants may be right for you, we invite you to contact our office to schedule your one-on-one consultation. We will be happy to evaluate your tooth replacement needs and help you determine if implants could be the solution for you.
Contact Morning Star Dentistry To Learn More
Many patients who have opted to receive dental implants indicate that it was a life-changing experience. The experience of having dental implants is similar to that of still having your natural teeth. There’s no risk of them falling out during daily activities, and no limitations on the types of food you can eat. Further, they are a near-perfect match, aesthetically, for your natural teeth, which renders them nearly invisible. Find out if dental implants are right for you by scheduling a consultation and examination today.
