Missing teeth can impact many aspects of your life, from speaking to eating. It can also make you feel self-conscious when dealing with friends and coworkers.
Most dentists, including myself, prefer dental implants for their patients. No other option provides full anatomy replacement—root and crown—which is important for functions like chewing and general stability. Implants are also a long-lasting option. With proper care, they can last for decades and even your lifetime.
In the first part of this guide, we’ll explore why you should choose dental implants, implant candidacy, types of implants, how to get started, and how to prepare.
Why Choose Dental Implants in Cookeville, TN?
Dental implants are unique in tooth replacement. As written, they offer complete anatomy replacement and longevity.
Let’s explore the benefits more thoroughly so you can make an informed decision about your tooth replacement.
Longevity and Durability
Dental implants are titanium tooth roots that can integrate into the bone. This is what makes them so durable and lasting. After a while, you may not recall which tooth is an implant!
Easy Care and Upkeep
You may choose dental implants because they don’t require store-bought products like floss threaders, adhesives, or polishes to keep them looking their best. With dental implants, you need only brush, floss, and continue seeing your Cookeville dentist for regular checkups and dental cleanings.
They are a hassle-free solution to missing teeth.
Superior Functionality
With some tooth replacement options, you might find yourself avoiding certain foods that are difficult to chew. Dental implants restore your ability to enjoy a fully diverse diet. You’ll never have to concern yourself with embarrassing slips, rocking, or tilting.
Oral Health Benefits
Missing teeth promote tooth migration (teeth moving and shifting). Dental implants prevent this issue, which can wear down teeth over time. Dental implants also support jawbone health and guard against deterioration, a natural occurrence when teeth are missing. No other tooth replacement option offers this unique benefit.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants
The ideal candidate for dental implants will have a jawbone that is healthy enough to support the dental implant. The placement of the upper sinus may also play a role in implant placement. Other factors include tobacco use and specific health conditions.
It’s crucial to note that the above issues do not rule you out as a candidate for dental implants. I will evaluate your case and may recommend pretreatments as needed. For example, a sinus lift or bone grafting can help bring you into candidacy. The issue with tobacco use is that it can hamper implant healing.
I recommend scheduling a dental implant consultation in Cookeville to determine whether you’re a candidate or what I can do to help make you one.
What Are My Dental Implant Options at Hall Dental Group?
Dental implants are no longer just a replacement root capped with a dental crown. Today, dental implant options are especially beneficial if you have complete or substantial tooth loss.
Single Dental Implant
This method involves surgically placing one dental implant root, which will later be topped with a dental crown. It is ideal if you have only one missing tooth.
Implant-Supported Dentures and Bridges
An implant-supported denture means I use approximately four to six dental implant roots to attach a custom denture to the jaw. This saves you the cost of one dental implant for each lost tooth. Likewise, if you have one or two teeth missing in the same location and the adjacent teeth are not strong enough to support a bridge, I can attach the bridge teeth using one or more dental implants.
How Do I Start My Dental Implant Journey?
You start your dental implant journey by scheduling a consultation in my dental office. At this visit, I will discuss candidacy and costs and let you know what to expect. I also set aside time to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Preparing for Dental Implants in Cookeville
I use image-guided technology to precisely plan your dental implant placement. I also provide pretreatment instructions when necessary. For example, if you choose sedation dentistry, I’ll let you know when to take the prescribed medication and inform you that you should not drive on the day of treatment.
Stayed Tuned for Part 2 of Your Ultimate Guide to Dental Implants!
If you have questions for our team that are not addressed in this guide, contact a member of my dental team today. Also, if you’re ready to book a consultation, I look forward to evaluating your oral health for dental implants!