A missing tooth is a problem, whether it’s visible or not. Replacing missing teeth is paramount to maintaining good oral health, but sometimes people shy away from the most reliable solution – a dental implant. If you are missing one or more teeth for whatever reason, it’s time to talk to your Rye dentist about the many benefits of dental implants.
Time Is Relative
When you have a hole in your smile because of missing teeth, it’s understandable that you want a solution as quickly as possible. Dental implants are a lengthy process but don’t let that reality deter you from investing in this restorative dentistry solution. Here is a boilerplate dental implant timeline, though the circumstances can vary with each patient.
- Consultation. Your dentist needs to see what’s going on with your oral health. This means looking at the area where a tooth was lost because of an accident or gum disease. It may also mean recommending a tooth extraction when a problem tooth cannot be successfully corrected with any other procedure.
- Prep work. If gum tissue is damaged, it needs to heal before dental surgery can take place. Some patients need gum disease treatment because their gums are infected. Still other patients may need a bone graft so the implant has something strong to fuse onto. Whatever preparation is required, this is likely to be the lengthiest part of the process, but it is also essential.
- Procedure. When the implant is surgically implanted in your jaw, a small abutment sticks up above the gumline. A temporary crown is affixed here to fill the hole in your smile, so it looks like your smile is complete and your appearance isn’t compromised.
- Healing. Waiting for the surgical area to heal takes patience – multiple months – but having a temporary crown in place makes it easier to wait for the completion of the dental implant procedure. When the implant has fused successfully to the jawbone, the permanent porcelain crown will be put in place and the process will be complete.
Dental Care Is Affordable
Dental implants are a meticulous surgical procedure that provides a permanent dental solution. Many people think this isn’t an option for them, but the cost of this restoration is within your grasp when you work with a dental office that offers manageable third-party financing, accepts multiple dental insurance plans, and has an in-house dental plan.
When you need dental restorations, it is so important to prioritize your oral health. Dental problems never go away on their own, and avoiding a big problem like a missing tooth will only lead to more missing teeth or other dental complications. That means more difficulties, pain, discomfort, and costly dental work in the future. If you invest in dental implants now, you can save your oral health from disaster later.
Contact Chester Hill Dentistry in Rye, NY, to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chi Fu and his dental team to find out whether dental implants or another restorative dentistry solution is right for your smile.