
Dental Implants in Greenwood
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are replacement teeth that are secured into the jaw with a titanium rod. That titanium rod is surgically positioned beneath the gum line and the replacement tooth is placed onto the rod. Our team will refer you to a highly reputable specialist to surgically place the titanium post and then you will return to Greenwood Dental Smiles to have either Dr. Samela or Dr. Scearce place the dental crown on top of the post for the final implant restoration phase.
When would I need to consider dental implants?
If your teeth or jaw have experienced decay due to disease that is not fixable with a filling, crown, or veneer, dental implants could be the solution. Many prefer implants over dentures because they are more secure and feel far more natural.
Are dental implants the same as dentures or bridges?
Though they serve a similar purpose, they aren’t quite the same. Many patients find dentures uncomfortable, especially if they have sore spots in their mouths or something is misaligned. Bridges, on the other hand, must be attached to teeth on either side of the space left by the missing tooth. So if multiple teeth have experienced decay, a bridge might not be an option. The technology involved in the dental implant is far superior. It allows your natural bone to fuse, or grow together, with the surgically placed titanium post. This provides an incredibly life-like replication of a natural tooth. Dental implants provide long-term, tooth replacement closely matched to natural teeth as anything available in dentistry today.
What requirements do I have to meet for a dental implant?
Healthy gums and a strong and healthy jawbone are necessary to support the rod of the implant. If your bone has decayed from disease, bone grafting may be an alternative. If there is not enough bone between your jaw and your sinuses, a sinus lift may be the solution.
How long do dental implants last?
Properly cared for implants can last a couple of decades. Well cared for implants means you should brush your teeth twice daily and floss each night. You may want to purchase a special toothbrush designed for implants called an interdental toothbrush. It will help to reach those difficult areas of the teeth and gums. Also, just as important as home care is maintaining a bi-annual dental check-up schedule with Greenwood Dental Smiles. Our dentists will ensure your implants and surrounding tissue remains healthy.