Kingston, TN
Dental implants have only been around for a few decades, but they have forever changed the way we treat tooth loss. In fact, they are now favored over more traditional methods of tooth replacement, like dental bridges and dentures. At LakeView Dental Arts, we offer several implant-supported restorations as a permanent and aesthetically pleasing solution to the problem of missing teeth.
A Dental Implant consists of two parts, no matter the restoration. First, there is the implant screw, which is placed below the gum and into the jawbone, typically by our expert team of oral surgeons. Typically, after 3-4 months of healing time, the restoration can be seated, whether it be a single crown, fixed bridge, or implant-retained denture.
Restoration of a Single Crown
The restoration of a single crown is the most basic form of implant treatment. First, our highly skilled team of oral surgeons will make an incision in the gums and place the implant deep within the jawbone. For the next three to six months, the implant and your bone will fuse together through the process of osseointegration. Osseointegration is largely responsible for the success of your implant-supported restoration. A healing abutment is placed and then scanned by our team at LakeView Dental Arts, and the crown will be fabricated and placed by Dr. Walmsley.
Restoration of a Fixed Bridge
The process for an implant-supported bridge is very similar to that of a crown, with one exception. A bridge consists of an unsupported tooth, or pontic, that is held in place by two or more crowns. In most cases, Dr. Walmsley will place an implant for each missing tooth. When this is not possible, the pontic can be suspended between two implants (an implant-supported bridge).
Restoration of an Implant-Retained Denture
For years, patients resorted to dentures to replace missing teeth and restore their smile. Dentures are made from an acrylic base that mimics the look of natural gum tissue with artificial teeth. Unfortunately, traditional dentures aren’t known for their comfort, and tend to slip and become loose over time. To solve these problems, we use a series of implants to retain the denture. While it is still removable for cleaning by a doctor, an implant-retained denture reduces the risk of sliding and trapping food particles underneath the base. The implants will help protect the underlying jawbone from future deterioration, which is a huge benefit of implants. Implant-retained dentures also allow you to speak, smile, and chew food more naturally and without worrying about your teeth slipping. They are the best option to replace missing teeth both aesthetically and functionally. Dr. Walmsley has undergone hundreds of hours of continuing education to restore dental implants of all types. If you are looking to replace missing teeth with dental implants, Dr. Walmsley and his team of expertly trained oral surgeons have the training, skill, and experience to do so. Call us today to schedule an appointment to learn more about dental implants at (865) 376-9687.
Schedule a Consultation Appointment
If you are interested in implant restoration, please call (865) 376-9687, and schedule your consultation appointment now!
