A post by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research shows that 2.2% of adults between 20 and 64 years have no remaining teeth. Losing a tooth will affect your smile, how you eat, and your oral health.
Luckily, solutions like dental implants can help you regain confidence and mouth function. They are ideal if you’re looking for a full dental restoration or replacing just one or a few teeth.
Here, we’ll dive into teeth replacement with a professional dental implant. We’ll also cover what you should expect during the process and compare the solution against other tooth replacement options to help you establish the right fit for you.
Types of Dental Implants to Consider
Here are some dental implant options to consider in Kentucky:
- Single dental implants
- Multi-tooth dental implants
- All-on-4 implants
- Same-day dental implants
- Zygomatic dental implants
A single dental implant is a perfect option if you’re missing just one tooth. It’ll replace the root of your missing tooth and provide a strong base for a crown.
Multiple or multi-tooth dental implants are an excellent solution if you have lost several teeth in a row but still have some natural ones. Instead of placing separate implants for each missing tooth, an oral surgeon will use a few posts to support a set of teeth.
All-on-4 dental implants are ideal if you don’t have most or all your teeth. A Lexington or London, KY, oral surgeon will fit a few implants into your gum to support an entire arch.
Same-day dental implants or teeth in a day allow you to get a complete set of teeth in a single visit. They will be a great choice if you want quick results instead of waiting several months like when getting traditional implants.
Zygomatic dental implants may be the best solution if you’ve lost significant bone in your upper jaw. An oral surgeon will anchor them into your cheekbone instead of the jawbone for reliable support.
The Dental Implant Procedure
When getting dental implants in KY, expect the following steps:
- Initial consultation and planning
- Implant placement
- Healing and osseointegration
- Attaching the abutment and crown
Your oral surgeon will first assess your health to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. The first session will include:
- Establishing your jawbone density
- Taking X-rays
- Evaluating your oral health
Depending on your condition, your oral surgeon may recommend some procedures before you get implants. For example, they might suggest wisdom tooth removal if you have significant decay.
Besides, they could recommend bone grafting to correct severe bone loss. The expert may also need to do an apicoectomy, which prevents an infection from spreading by removing the tip of a tooth’s root.
Once you’re ready, your oral surgeon will review the surgical instructions before placing the implant into the jawbone. You don’t have to worry about experiencing any pain because they’ll administer anesthesia.
Your implant will fuse with the jawbone during the healing and osseointegration process, which can take months. After that, your Kentucky oral surgeon will connect the abutment and crown to your implant.
Since they will use a custom crown matching the rest of your teeth, you’ll achieve a natural look by the end of the process.
Exploring Other Tooth Replacement Options
Dental implants are often the best choice for replacing missing teeth, but it’s also vital to learn about the alternatives.
Dentures are removable appliances you can use to replace multiple missing teeth. They are typically more affordable than implants and can be a good solution if you still have some natural teeth.
However, dentures can slip or shift, causing discomfort. They also don’t prevent bone loss, which may cause changes in your facial structure.
Bridges are teeth restorations that rely on dental cement or abutment teeth as anchors. They are a reliable solution for replacing one or more teeth and are more stable than removable dentures.
Still, your oral surgeon may need to alter some healthy teeth to hold the bridge in place. Besides, dentures sit above your gums, so they can’t prevent bone loss.
Reasons to Pick Dental Implants Over Other Options
Dental implants are better than other restoration options for the following reasons:
- Durability
- Natural appearance
- Jaw bone preservation
Dental implants also improve your mouth’s functionality because they are stable. You’ll enjoy your favorite food without worrying about discomfort or your new teeth slipping. Further, the implants will enhance your speaking ability, making you more confident in social settings.
While dental implants often have a higher initial cost than other options, they are a long-term investment.
With proper care, they may last decades or a lifetime, helping you avoid frequent replacements. They also have a success rate of 97% at 10 years, according to the Journal of Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery. These aspects make them a reliable and cost-effective solution for replacing missing teeth.
Get Dental Implants From an Experienced Oral Surgeon
Selecting the right specialist for your dental implants will help you achieve lasting results. An experienced Kentucky oral surgeon is your best choice for these reasons:
- Expertise in oral surgery
- Comprehensive oral health care
- Advanced technology
Oral surgeons specialize in many procedures like:
- Jaw or orthognathic surgery
- Bone grafting
- Dental extractions
When you need any of these procedures before getting implants, you won’t need to consult another expert. You’ll get all the necessary care in one office and enjoy a cohesive treatment approach. Your oral surgeon can also monitor your progress at every stage and offer custom care.
An experienced KY oral surgeon will use the latest tools and systems to make your dental implant procedure easier and more comfortable. They can offer the best care with optimal outcomes while helping you fight dental anxiety.
Professional Dental Implant Services at Jenkins, Morrow & Gayheart OMS
A dental implant will offer a durable, natural-looking solution to restore your mouth’s function and confidence. Unlike other temporary fixes, implants will last a lifetime and improve your quality of life. Get your implants from an experienced local surgeon to guarantee excellent results and expert care.
At Jenkins, Morrow & Gayheart OMS, we understand that oral surgery can be intimidating. We offer compassionate attention and personalized care using state-of-the-art technology to guarantee the best experience. Contact us to book an appointment.
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