Kingston, TN
If you are missing one or more teeth, our team at LakeView Dental Arts can help restore your smile with dental implants. Dental implants are the most effective of all the restorative treatments we offer for missing teeth.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial root that is surgically placed into your jawbone to support a prosthetic tooth. Most implants require the use of an abutment, or support structure, which anchors the restoration to the dental implant. Implants have revolutionized the way we treat tooth loss because they can be used to support a single tooth, a bridge, or even a full mouth restoration.
You must be in good oral and overall health to receive a dental implant and also have the proper bone structure to ensure the implant stays in place. Patients who do not have a sufficient amount of bone may qualify for a bone graft procedure. After the bone graft and a short healing period, implantation should be possible. Talk with Dr. Walmsley to learn if you are an implant candidate. During a consultation visit, we will discuss your options and perform a comprehensive exam. Because implants are a significant investment and we want you to have the best possible outcome, we will also have you consult with our team of expert oral surgeons to ensure that implants are right for you.
The Implant Procedure
The procedure for dental implants is typically broken up into two surgeries. Typically, we will send you to a group of local oral surgeons that places more Zimmer-Biomet implants than any other oral surgery group in the country. They are experts at what they do, they do it frequently, and they have systems in place to make it easier and more expeditious for you as a patient. You will be sedated and they will place an incision in the gum tissue to place the implant.
For the next 3-4 months or so, your implant and bone will undergo the process of osseointegration. During this time, the bone and your implant will fuse together. Osseointegration is responsible for the sturdy bond that allows your implant to support a prosthetic tooth. In fact, osseointegration is responsible for many of the benefits of dental implants.
Once the implant and your bone have properly fused, your abutment can be placed. Once the abutment is in place, you will return to our office, and we will use a small wand to digitally scan the area. Our patients much prefer this simple scan over old-school, goopy impressions. This scan will be used to make a model for your final restoration, which may be made using porcelain, emax, or zirconia. These materials best mimic the natural properties of tooth enamel while having remarkable strength. In many cases, we are able to mill an implant crown within our office with our Cerec CAD-cam to lessen your wait time for your final restoration.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Implants have become the industry standard for tooth replacement because they are superior to other restorations in almost every way. One of the biggest advantages is that they protect your healthy bone, meaning they prevent future bone deterioration. They are the only restoration that offers this protection.
Implants are also built to last. Under the right care, an implant will last for several decades. Many patients find their implants can even last a lifetime!
Implants also become a part of your anatomy, which makes them the next best thing to your healthy, natural teeth. You will be able to chew, speak, and smile with confidence and comfort. They look and feel like natural teeth!
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, schedule your consultation by calling (865) 376-9687.
