Feb
Missing teeth are more than just an aesthetic problem. While they can affect self-confidence and personal comfort, they can also lead to more complicated issues with your remaining natural teeth. Your teeth work as a team, relying on one another for support. When a tooth is missing, structural support is lessened, leading other teeth to drift or shift and potentially threaten their underlying structures.
Patients in Ballwin, MO, with missing teeth or who need to have teeth removed can get professional guidance on treatment options from the expert team at The DentaLink. Dr. Allan Link and Dr. Drew Link have years of experience working with patients with various dental issues. Dr. Allan Link specializes in dental implant placement for missing teeth — now considered the most reliable alternative to natural teeth.
Dental implants are considered the most robust available alternative to natural teeth. Not only are they made from durable, bio-compatible materials, but they are also anchored in your jawbone, just like natural teeth, giving them similar strength and range of motion.
If you are missing a tooth or planning to have one removed, Drs Allan and Drew Link can help you decide if implants are right for you. They will go over your goals and help you understand the benefits of each restoration option available. Working together, you will determine the best course of treatment.
If implants are right for you, the procedure will take place over several visits. At first, your dentist will do a thorough examination, studying the area that needs restoring and its surrounding structures. He will then take an impression, which he will use to manufacture your final crown.
Dental implants are granted their strength from your natural facial structures, just like natural teeth. While your natural-looking crown is being manufactured, your doctor will place a biocompatible titanium rod in your jawbone, which the bone naturally integrates over several weeks. The team at The DentaLink is specially trained in anesthesia, so you’ll be comfortable throughout this procedure. While your jawbone heals, you can manage any temporary discomfort with OTC pain relievers such as Ibuprofen.
When the integration process is complete, you will return for the placement of your final crown. The crown, customized to match your surrounding teeth in both form and function, will easily screw onto the integrated rod. It will be secure, but can still be easily removed or replaced, if necessary. With proper maintenance, your crown will last for many years, and your implant will last even longer.
Your dentist will go over the care and maintenance of your implant at your appointment. Which typically amounts to little more than you already do for your natural teeth. Routine brushing and flossing, and regular check-ups at The DentaLink, will help make sure your implant lasts a long, long time.
To learn more about implants or discuss whether they are the right treatment for you, call Drs. Allan or Drew Link at The DentaLink in Ballwin, MO today at (636) 496 8584.