If you have missing teeth and are looking for a more permanent solution, dental implants in Marshall, MI may be just what you’ve been looking for.
The dentist understands that tooth loss can be devastating. It can change the way you speak and dictate your diet. You may find yourself unwilling or uncomfortable smiling with family, friends, and colleagues. But missing teeth can also influence your oral health.
To address these issues, we offer a variety of tooth replacement solutions, including dental implants. To learn whether dental implants are right for you, your dentist provides a consultation.
What Are Dental Implants?
A Dental implant is a tooth replacement root made from sturdy titanium. Your dentist surgically places this root into your jawbone. As the months pass, this root integrates with the bone and creates a firm foundation for a replacement tooth.
During implant placement, we make sure you’re relaxed and that the area we are working in is completely anesthetized. You may notice pressure, but the numbing agents take care of your pain.
When the anesthesia wears off, you may notice mild swelling and soreness for a few days. Your dentist or physician can recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed. However, many patients report such mild symptoms that you may not require medication.
Dental Implant Options
You can choose a single implant, multiple implants, or an implant-supported prosthetic. The latter may be a low-profile denture attached to your jaw with four to six implant posts. This method means you do not need an implant for every missing tooth.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, which may prevent bone loss. When you experience bone loss in your jaw—a side effect of missing teeth—your lower face can appear sunken and prematurely aged.
Dental implants can also stop your natural teeth from migrating toward smile gaps. When this happens, your bite is not even, which can mean premature wear on specific teeth. Wear may lead to cavities and even tooth fractures in the long term.
Compared with other tooth replacement options, dental implants also do not require extra steps for care. You do not have to reline dental implants or concern yourself with adhesives. Dental implants are considered a more permanent and natural solution compared with other choices.
Dental Implant Care
Throughout your journey to a new smile, your dentist in Lansing, MI will be there to provide tips and instructions. However, when you receive your replacement tooth, we recommend thinking of it as a natural tooth. Brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly for dental exams and cleanings—just like before your implant. In other words, forget you have an implant!