Dental Implants

Dental implants are the long-lasting, permanent way to fill spaces left by missing teeth. Whether a tooth and its root have been lost through damage, infection, or extraction, a dental implant is the top recommendation to repair a smile cosmetically and functionally. This advanced restorative dentistry treatment is available from the dental team at Natural Smiles in Louisville, KY, and will reinforce the health of your entire smile.

Parts of a Dental Implant

Each dental implant is made of three parts. In circumstances where multiple teeth are being replaced, or an entire arch of teeth, a limited number of implants are placed into the gumline. One or two missing teeth are more likely to be treated with one implant per missing tooth. Here the components of every dental implant:

• Post: The post is usually made of titanium and surgically implanted under the gumline into the jawbone. The metal is biocompatible and friendly to nearly every patient and, over time, the post fuses to the jawbone and replaces the missing tooth root.
• Abutment: A small component, the abutment is attached to the post at the time of the original surgery, which makes it slightly visible above the gums and prepares the area for whatever restoration is eventually attached to the dental implant.
• Prosthesis: One missing tooth replaced with a dental implant is usually topped by a crown. A few missing teeth may call for a dental bridge. Multiple missing teeth in the same area typically rely on a permanent denture. All restorations are secure and look natural.

How Dental Implants Are Put in Place

It takes multiple visits to your Louisville dentist to complete the dental implant process. Every patient who wants to replace missing teeth and qualifies for implants must have healthy gums and enough bone density to serve as a good candidate for one or more implants. Some patients may need a bone graft first while others may require gum disease treatment first – this infection is often the main culprit behind missing teeth.

Here are some details to know about how dental implants are put in place:

• Surgery: This oral surgery is often done under sedation, particularly for patients getting multiple implants at once or those who are anxious.
• Healing: Healing time can take weeks to months, with your dentist carefully checking the healing process so the implant successfully fuses to the jawbone.
• Fitting: Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth from the start, with a temporary crown or denture in place until healing is complete. A permanent artificial restoration is added when the treatment is complete.

Types of Dental Implants

All dental implants work the same, but every patient is different when it comes to where they need implants and how many tooth replacements are necessary. Here are some of the most common types of dental implants available:

• Single tooth replacement: One missing tooth plus one dental implant equals perfection.
• Full upper replacement: Four to six implants are placed and a full denture (no adhesives) or multiple bridges complete the smile.
• Full lower replacement: Four to six dental implants anchor a full denture in place.
• Front teeth: Missing incisors and cuspids are replaced with a dental implant to complete your smile.
• Back teeth: Missing bicuspids and molars are often overlooked when it comes to replacing teeth but getting implants ensures that face shape is not compromised.

Get Dental Implants in Louisville, KY

There are only benefits to getting dental implants. This strong restorative dentistry treatment reduces bone loss, returns form and function, and replaces missing teeth with natural repairs that make you look younger and healthier. Regain confidence when it comes to smiling, eating, and speaking. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kiran Gill at Natural Smiles in Louisville.