Everything You Want to Know About Dental Implants
At the Allen Oral Surgery & Implant Center, we specialize in the placement of dental implants in Bowling Green. Dental implants are quickly becoming the gold standard when it comes to replacing missing teeth, and many patients have similar questions about how they work, what makes them so beneficial, and what to expect from the treatment process. Here are a few common questions we hear from patients considering dental implant surgery:
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants work by mimicking the structure of the natural root of your missing tooth. The implant is made of a small rod or screw-shaped piece of titanium and it is surgically placed into your gum and jaw tissue, then allowed to heal for about 3-6 months.
Titanium has the unique ability to “osseointegrate,” meaning that it bonds permanently to the surrounding organic tissue while it heals. This means that the implant becomes attached to your natural bone and gum tissue, and functions as an artificial root. After the healing process is complete, Dr. Allen will attach a single crown to the implant, or restore multiple teeth using a dental bridge or an implant-supported denture.
Will Dental Implants Last Forever?
Yes! With proper oral hygiene and care, and regular visits to the dentist for cleanings, your implant can last a lifetime. Just like your natural teeth, it’s important that you care for an implant by brushing and flossing to keep it in great shape. Most dental implants last 30+ years.
It is important to note that the dental implant restoration, like a crown or an implant-supported implant, is not as durable as the implant itself. These restorations may need to be rebuilt after a period of time. However, the dental implant will remain healthy and strong.
What Are The Benefits Of Dental Implants?
- Completely natural look and feel – An implant-supported restoration, such as a crown attached to a dental implant, is completely indistinguishable from a natural tooth. In addition, the tooth will never move or shift in your mouth since it is permanently attached to your implant. Your replacement tooth will look natural to others and feel natural in your mouth.
- No special care required – Simply brush and floss normally, and see your dentist for six-month checkups.
- Protects your jaw bone – Unlike a denture or a dental bridge, a dental implant is placed directly into your jaw and gum tissue. This means that it stimulates the tissue and keeps it strong, preventing bone resorption, which is a common side effect of tooth loss. In turn, this helps prevent changes to your facial structure and preserves the strength of your jaw.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
This depends on the type of implant, its location, the restoration you are interested in, and a number of other factors, so it’s difficult to give patients an estimate without a consultation.
Though dental implants are more costly upfront than other restorative treatments like a denture or dental bridge, an implant can last more than 30 years, which often makes implants more cost-effective in the long term. Dentures and bridges typically need to be replaced every 5-10 years, while implants last much longer.
Schedule A Consultation Today For A Dental Implant In Bowling Green
Dr. Allen is a highly-qualified oral surgeon and has placed hundreds of dental implants. If you’re interested in implant dentistry in Bowling Green, schedule an appointment with us today. You can give us a call at (270) 842-0166, or stop by our office at 1716 Ashley Circle Bowling Green KY 42104 to get started.
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