If you have broken dental implants and you live in the Hickory, NC, area, Dr. Hanigofsky at Hickory Dentist by Dental Health Concepts can assist you with restorative dental services to regain your beautiful smile. Using artisan craftsmanship, your crown and bridge will be designed to look like your natural teeth right down to the unique lines, grooves, shape, and coloration. Here’s what you need to know about dental implants and implant restoration.
What are Dental Implants?
After losing a permanent tooth and depending on the condition of your jawbone and gum tissue, your dentist may ask if you would like dental implants or dentures to replace the missing tooth and restore your beautiful smile. Dental implants are created in stages after a tooth and the tooth roots have been removed or are too damaged to repair with a crown. Most dentists will refer patients to an oral surgeon or periodontist for the original implant. After ensuring your gum and jawbone are healthy and prepared to receive the implant, a metal threaded base will be placed securely in the jawbone to act as roots. It is important to note the healing process of this new implant can take several months and, in some cases, there may be a need for a jawbone grafting procedure before the implant may be placed.
After the implant has healed, the connector between the implant and an artificial tooth called an “abutment” will be inserted on top of the implant. Once the abutment is secured and the area is healed and ready for the next step, an artificial crown will be placed on top. Although the implant process involves multiple steps and appointments, there are a lot of reasons to consider this option if your dentist determines it to be a good option for your smile restoration.
Pros
- Your implant does not rely upon your surrounding teeth and gum tissue for support.
- Artificial teeth that sit atop an implant can be crafted to mirror your original teeth, resulting in a natural appearance.
- Implants are permanent fixtures that do not move, which limits the risk of damage to the surrounding teeth, gums, and bone after healing from the placement.
- Care instructions are the same as with other teeth, following the healing process.
- There is no speech deterrent caused by the implant or artificial tooth.
- You can typically eat with fewer dietary restrictions and discomfort than with dentures.
Cons
- There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. In the case of dental implants, the surrounding teeth and tissue may be damaged or become infected. The damage or infection can extend to teeth, nerves, blood vessels, and sinuses.
- The procedure is invasive as the implant must be connected with the patient’s jawbone, resulting in arguably more discomfort upfront than a denture alternative. Ask your oral surgeon or periodontist about pain management options.
- In some cases, the implant could fail to heal properly and support the artificial tooth. The oral surgeon or periodontist will examine the area to determine the cause of the implant failure and the next steps or alternative options.
How are Dentures Different from Implants?
Unlike dental implants, which are permanently fused into the jawbone to stay in place, dentures sit atop your gum line, are removable, and may require an adhesive to reduce movement and improve your ability to eat and speak. Partial or full dentures may be used either temporarily to replace missing teeth while waiting for a dental implant procedure or ongoing instead of the dental implant. For patients in the Hickory, NC area, Dr. Hanigofsky can help you decide if natural-looking partial or full dentures are the best option for your dental health, comfort, and aesthetic needs.
What is a Dental Bridge and When is It Used?
Like partial dentures, a dental bridge is a set of artificial teeth that may be used to replace multiple missing teeth. The key differences are that a bridge is not removable, and it stays in place without the use of adhesives. There are several types of dental bridges. Hickory Dentist offers the most trusted crown and bridge solutions and reparations for your restoration needs. Our dentists have a passion for pursuing the highest level of care, patient comfort, and quality outcomes. Schedule your comprehensive initial exam with Dr. Hanigofsky by calling (828) 322-2133.
What if I Have Cracked or Broken My Dental Implant or Bridge?
In need of dental implant restoration? If you live in the Hickory, NC area, Dr. Hanigofsky offers customized dental implant and bridge restoration services at Hickory Dentist by Dental Health Concepts. Each tooth will be meticulously crafted to mirror your natural teeth using high-tech 3D scans by a Cone Beam CT machine that produces a roadmap of your other teeth’s topography down to each line, ridge, and coloration. Such beautiful replicas do more than restore your dental implants and bridges; they restore your ability to chew and speak with comfort, not to mention a natural smile you will love to show off! Hickory Dentist has been providing top-quality dental implant restoration services to the Hickory and surrounding area for over 25 years. Hear about our services from our patients’ own words in our 5-star Google reviews and patient testimonials. Then, call (828) 322-2133 to schedule your consultation or initial exam.
