Missing tooth got you down? Perhaps you are scheduled for a planned extraction, to remove an unhealthy or damaged tooth. Dental implants can make a positive transformation in your smile. You don’t have to know a lot about dental implants to be able to benefit from them. You care for an implants using the same brushing and flossing techniques for your natural teeth. Two more things to expect from an implant: natural looks and long life (with proper care.)
Expect Your Implant to Look Natural
The post and the abutment to a tooth implant are covered once the implant is in place. The titanium post will be securely held in your jaw by the process of osseointegration. The abutment is placed atop the post, and holds the crown. An implant crown (the tooth-like part that shows) is custom sculpted just for you. Dental technology is used to take images of the damaged tooth (before removal) or in some cases a nearby tooth may be used to provide the image for the crown. Because color, size and shape can be matched precisely, most crowns blend beautifully into a smile.
Expect Your Implant to Last A Long Time
Implant posts are made of titanium, and become a part of your jaw. An implant crown is made from durable resins or porcelain, and with proper care, should last for 10-20 years. We will give your specific instructions to help guide you through your dental implant surgery. Afterwards, proper care of your implant includes habits you already have in place for your natural teeth. For example:
- Brush twice a day
- Floss daily
- To maintain whiteness, watch for foods that stain teeth (they may also stain crowns)
- Don’t use your teeth as tools (no biting open packages, for example)
- Keep non-food objects out of your mouth
- Call for an appointment if you notice a change, or have discomfort
