Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option because they are affordable and long-lasting. If you are missing teeth, dental implants may be the right solution for you. At Excel Dental in Ozark Missouri, Drs. Tracy Davis and Jim Oslica offer dental implants as a cost-effective way to replace missing teeth when considering longevity and natural feel.
What Exactly Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a metal post that is surgically placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. The implant serves as an anchor for a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are often used when other treatments, such as dentures, are not possible. Implants may also be used to secure crowns and bridges: other restorative options that are used to replace one or more teeth.
Dental implants are made of titanium, which is biocompatible with bone tissue. Titanium fuses with bone over time, creating a strong foundation for the implant. In some cases, a synthetic material called zirconia may be used in place of titanium. Your dentist can talk to you about the options available and the benefits and disadvantages of each.
What is the process of obtaining dental implants?
The procedure for installing a dental implant usually takes several months. Below are the steps necessary to obtain implants and restore them as needed:
- Consultation. The first step is to schedule a consultation at our office. This appointment will include a review of your medical history and dental health. X-rays will also be taken to determine if you are a candidate for implants.
- Surgery. If you are a good candidate for implants, the next step is to have surgery to place the implant in your jawbone. In some cases, an implant can be placed immediately after extracting a tooth.
- Osseointegration. Following surgery, you will need to wait several months for the implant to fuse with your jawbone before the final restoration can be completed. This is achieved with a process called osseointegration that occurs naturally. During this waiting period, we will provide you with a temporary restoration that looks like a natural tooth.
- Restoration. Once the implant has healed, we will create a custom crown or bridge to match the surrounding teeth. For patients missing multiple teeth, we may recommend a full or partial denture that can be anchored in place by implants. Implants can also be used to secure a denture and prevent it from slipping. This versatility is part of what makes them so popular with our patients!
Call (417) 581-3600.
While the process of obtaining dental implants may take several months, the results are worth the wait! Though implants are initially more expensive than alternative options, they last a lifetime, making them an affordable way over time to replace one or more teeth in the smile.
Ask the team at Excel Dental about using dental implants to repair your smile
If you reside in the area of Ozark, Missouri and want to work with Drs. Tracy Davis and Jim Oslica of Excel Dental to find out more about using dental implants, we welcome you to call us for an appointment at (417) 581-3600. We are conveniently located at 1701 West James River Road and are open to new patients and families.