No one wants to lose permanent teeth, but sometimes it is necessary to extract a damaged or diseased tooth. Years ago, the only way to fix a missing tooth was with a dental bridge or set of dentures. Bridges require filing down neighboring healthy teeth, while dentures are notorious for not fitting well. Nowadays, however, dental implants are the preferred method for filling in the gap. Implants look and feel like the real thing. If a tooth is lost, a Dentist Cherry Hill can determine if you are a good candidate for an implant.
A dental implant is inserted directly into the jaw bone. During preparation for the false tooth, an implant screw is surgically placed in the mouth. The patient is under general anesthesia for the procedure. In order for the screw to fuse to the bone properly, the jaw must be in good health. Since bone recedes after a tooth is lost, most dentists recommend having an implant inserted right away. Once the post is in place, it needs time to heal. This can take several months. As soon as the healing process is complete, the metal screw is covered with an artificial tooth, which is also called a crown. These crowns are made out of porcelain and blend in nicely with natural teeth.
While the process for dental implants is lengthy, the end result is worth the wait. Implants are more comfortable than dentures, which often slip inside the mouth. They are considered a permanent fix and only need to be repaired if the bone rejects the implant, which is rare. If the crown on an implant gets damaged, it can be replaced without harming the surgically placed post. Dental implants are the perfect choice for individuals who are missing a single tooth, but they can also be used in the entire mouth.
Only a implant dentist in Cherry Hill can tell you if dental implants are the right option for your case. A complete, comprehensive exam is necessary to see if the oral tissue and bone structure is healthy enough to support an implant. If you want to fill in a missing tooth, speak with a Dentist Cherry Hill to find out more about dental implants.
