Dental Implants
Muscle Shoals, AL
Dental implants are a popular choice for people who are looking for an alternative to partial dentures or bridgework to replace missing teeth. In fact, dental implants are the preferable choice of tooth replacement for millions of individuals in the U.S.
We have lots of experience at Singing River Dentistry helping our patients in the Muscle Shoals, AL area create the perfect treatment plan.
Our Doctors and our team will collaborate to help you decide whether or not a dental implant is right for you.
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What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a prosthesis used for replacing damaged or missing teeth. The titanium implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone, serving as artificial teeth roots. The bone heals after some time, which fuses the implants with the jawbone. This surgery results in solid implants so that your dentist can place a crown, fixed bridge, or partial or complete denture on top of it.
What Makes Dental Implants Different?
Unlike dentures, or dental bridgework that sits above the gums, dental implants act as an artificial anchor or root for replacement teeth. Once they are put into place they are not meant to be moved or removed. Instead, they are a permanent base that is implanted directly into the gums and attached to the jawbone.
Because they are so firmly attached to your jawbone, replacement teeth attached to dental implants do not move around like dentures or bridgework. The material used to make dental implants is also more resistant to decay or damage than dentures or bridgework.
Dental implants can be used to replace one or several missing teeth. They can even be used for full upper or lower teeth replacement procedures. Dental implants are often used in combination with other restorative services for full mouth reconstruction.
Dental implants typically do not require the alteration of any remaining natural teeth before they can be installed, unlike bridgework, which requires those teeth to be altered to fit attachment points.
Parts of Dental Implants and What They Look Like
Each implant is made up of three parts.
The first part looks like a screw and is surgically implanted into your jawbone with a small piece left above the gumline.
The second piece is called an abutment, and it connects the screw to the actual replacement tooth.
The third piece is the actual replacement tooth itself, which is also called a tooth crown.
Porcelain crowns are custom made for each patient so that they match the shape and appearance of your natural teeth. A dental crown is fabricated to look like a white tooth surrounded by pink gums, easily removed and replaced after daily cleaning. Or it can be fixed, in which an artificial tooth is screwed on top of the abutment and cannot be removed.
Benefits of Dental Implants
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants provide the closest experience to your natural smile. Their permanent nature means you no longer have to worry about them falling out or have to store them in a special solution at night to keep them clean.
Since they are fused directly into your jawbone, less bone is lost after the tooth removal process. This helps your jaw maintain its original shape, which promotes a healthier-looking smile.
Patients also report being able to speak better and experience less discomfort with dental implants compared to using dentures. Even eating is easier with dental implants, as they are more resistant to hard or sticky foods and don't slide around the inside of your mouth.
Dental implants are designed to last for the life of the patient. So, while the cost to get dental implants may seem high at first, their long lifespan and durability mean they don't need to be adjusted or replaced as often as dentures and bridgework.
Dental Implant FAQ's
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Excellent oral hygiene, avoiding teeth-damaging habits, and visiting the dentist regularly ensure dental implants are successful and last a long time. These implants may last 30 years or even a lifetime if properly taken care of.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Some rare risks of dental implant surgery are injury to nerves or surrounding structures, sinus problems, or infection at the dental implant site. Otherwise, the advanced dental technology in the procedure makes it a reliable alternative to bridgework and dentures. Highly professional and trained oral surgeons put dental implants into the jawbone.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Procedure Take?
The whole dental implant surgery is performed in multiple outpatient appointments, and the entire procedure might take months to finish. The type and number of implants and the condition of the jawbone affect the length of the procedure, as several weeks are dedicated to waiting for the jawbone to grow and heal around the implant.
How Long After Dental Implants Can I Eat Normally?
After every stage of the dental implant surgery, you will need to eat soft foods, allowing the jawbone to heal properly. It takes about a week for a person who went through the procedure to return to their normal eating habits gradually.
What to Eat After Dental Implant Surgery
After getting dental implants, or after every step of the surgery, you must eat soft foods that are easy to chew and don't hurt your jawbone for at least 48 hours. Ice cream, mashed potatoes, soups and broths, soft fruits and oatmeal, yogurt, and liquid foods are encouraged.
Schedule a Consultation With Your Muscle Shoals, AL Dentist Today
Dental implants are a big commitment. We have a lot of experience at Singing River Dentistry helping our patients chose the tooth replacement procedure that makes the most sense for their specific situation. Give us a call today at 256-712-3186 to schedule your consultation with our team.
Request an Appointment