The Tooth of the Matter: A Dental Blog
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The Tooth of the Matter: A Dental Blog

You only have one set of adult teeth, and they need to last until you are 80, 90, or beyond. The actions you take towards your teeth today will either benefit you or harm you in the future. Of course, good dental care starts with seeing a dentist regularly. You should go in for cleanings and checkups, and any other time you think something might be amiss with your teeth. Education is important when it comes to any aspect of your health, so start reading the articles on this website to educate yourself about dentists and dental care. We promise that when you're 80 and you still have your teeth, you won't regret the time spent.

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The Tooth of the Matter: A Dental Blog

Considering Dental Implants To Replace Missing Teeth

Sofia Curtis

Teeth that are missing or have a lot of damage and need to be extracted can be a source of concern for some people. If you are missing a significant number of teeth, eating some foods can be difficult, and many people don't feel confident in how they look. Dental implants can replace the missing teeth and offer a better solution for long-term replacement than traditional solutions. 

How Implants Work

When you have a tooth or teeth that need replacing, an implant is the closest thing to a real tooth that dentists offer. The implant consists of a metal post that is inserted into the jaw bone and a tooth that is made from materials similar to those in a denture. The tooth fits onto the post, and once the bone grows around the post, the tooth becomes a permanent part of your mouth. 

The dental implant is as strong as your original tooth, and you care for them the same way, so for many people, they can have an implant put in and never have to worry about that the tooth again. 

Where to Get an Implant

Almost any dentist can do dental implants, but most general dentists will refer patients to an oral surgeon for implant surgery. The procedure is done in several steps, all of which can be done in the office, but you will have to have several visits over a few months to complete the procedure. 

It is possible to have the entire procedure done in a few weeks, but most dentists want to allow some time between putting in the post and added the tooth to it, so the bone and gums heal correctly. 

Understanding The Process

In general, the process begins with extracting the tooth that is bad if it has not already gone. The dentist will then drill a hole into the jaw bone and place a stainless steel post into the home. Some bonding cement is used to keep the post in until the bone grows around it, and the dentist will monitor the healing process over the next few weeks. 

Once the bone has grown around the post and the gums heal, the dentist will affix the tooth to the post with a bonding agent, and when this is complete, most people will never be able to tell the tooth is an implant. The implant is strong, secure, and permanent, so you do not have to worry about it anymore. 

A single tooth or an entire set of teeth can be implanted, but with a large number of teeth, the implants use several posts and a denture-like plate. If you need a full set of teeth, talk to your dentist about the best option and if implants are right for you.


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