Dental implants provide patients with permanent, non-removable replacement teeth attached to small rods in the jawbone and gums. This procedure has become increasingly popular over the past several years because it makes an attractive alternative to traditional removable dentures. Although most patients are excited about the benefits, they don’t quite understand how they go about getting dental implants. In fact, one of the most common questions we hear about this procedure at Alpha Dental is “How do dental implants work?”

The Process of Receiving Dental Implants

The first step of the process is to complete an oral exam with Dr. Ahmed. Your dentist inspects your entire mouth to make sure that the area receiving the implant is strong enough to support it. In some cases, your dentist may need to remove bone from another area and place it in the implant area to strengthen it. This is called a bone graft. After the exam, Dr. Ahmed places small titanium rods called abutments. These act as replacement tooth roots. You then need to allow up to several months for your gums and jaw to heal before your dentist attaches the non-removable dentures.

Getting dental implants sometimes requires several appointments so your dentist can check on the condition of the implant area. The process is complete once your new replacement teeth are in place. However, you need to come in for regular follow-up care.

Dental Implants Offer Several Advantages

Typical dentures disguise tooth loss, but they can also be uncomfortable and make it difficult to enjoy your favorite foods. Some patients have difficulty speaking clearly with dentures. None of these issues is a problem with dental implants. Additional benefits you can expect include:

• Dental implants allow Dr. Ahmed to replicate the shade of your remaining teeth.
• Dental implants won’t cause embarrassment by slipping out of place or falling out of your mouth. They also don’t require special cleaning.
• Having implants in place prevents your other teeth from shifting into the spots left empty by the missing teeth.

Please contact Alpha Dental at your convenience to learn more about dental implants in addition to whether you are a good candidate to receive them.