Difficulties chewing, feeling embarrassed about smiling, and challenges with speech are all things that you may experience if you're living with a missing tooth. The good news is that there are solutions to help you reclaim your smile, chewing function, and dental health. An implant restoration in Tazewell, VA, may be just what you need. Here's what you should know.
What Is a Dental Implant?
Implants are the closest replacement to your natural tooth. Dr. May works with a trusted local specialist, who places a biocompatible titanium post (the implant) into your bone during a simple surgical procedure. The implant fuses with and integrates into your bone over time, becoming part of your dental anatomy and replacing your root. This process is called osseointegration, and it takes about three to six months to complete.
When you're implant is fully healed and integrated, Dr. May will create a restoration to connect with the implant and restore your missing tooth. This is typically a custom porcelain crown when we're replacing a single tooth. However, Dr. May can use two to six dental implants to support a bridge, which replaces multiple missing teeth, or a denture that replaces an entire arch of missing teeth.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
Because they closely mimic natural teeth, dental implants offer several advantages that other tooth-replacement options cannot.
- Bone Protection — A dental implant keeps your bone healthy and stimulated like a tooth root, so you avoid the deterioration that occurs with tooth loss.
- Natural Look and Feel — Dental implants look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth.
- Bite Stabilization — Replacing a tooth protects your bite alignment, which also protects the health of your jaw joints.
- Excellent Longevity — Dental implants can potentially last a lifetime with the right home care and regular dental checkups.
Contact Our Team
If you'd like to learn more about dental implants, the first step is booking an evaluation with Dr. May. Give us a call at (276) 988-5554 to schedule.