Dental Implants
Missing teeth can be frustrating and cause problems, such as a lack of confidence or a struggle for proper mouth function. Fortunately, at Dental Care of Jackson Hole, we provide dental implants for those in the Jackson, Wyoming area. Dental implants are an excellent procedure that offers a permanent tooth replacement solution. The dental implant procedure has grown in popularity over the years due to the natural look it provides and the function it brings back into patients’ lives.
Call us today if you are interested in dental implants!
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium and implanted into the jawbone. The dental implant procedure involves surgically placing the titanium post in the jawbone below the gum line and allowing time for integration with the jawbone. After the implant is placed, a dental crown is placed on top, providing a natural-looking and feeling tooth.
The Dental Implant Procedure
When getting dental implants, it is essential to note that it will take more than one visit and several months. The process of getting dental implants includes:
- Consultation: During your initial consultation, Dr. Paula J. Schmidt or Dr. Braiden Jorgensen will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums to ensure dental implants are right for you.
- Dental Implant Procedure: During the surgery, we will make a small hole into the jawbone and then gently screw the implant in place. During this process, you will be under local anesthesia, so you are pain-free and comfortable.
- Waiting Period: After the procedure, your dentist will close the site. Over time, the jawbone will grow around the implant, creating a stable foundation. This process is slow and typically takes a few months to complete, as you cannot have a new permanent tooth until your mouth is fully healed.
- New Tooth: After the healing process, we will place a dental crown on top of the implant, and you will have a restored tooth that looks and functions like a natural tooth!
Dental Implant Aftercare
By ensuring proper care of your dental implant, you can guarantee the health of your smile for years. From good oral hygiene care to dental check-ups, you must take care of your new smile to avoid damage to the implant or your natural teeth.
- Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine: Daily brushing and flossing are crucial in preventing plaque build-up around the implant.
- Regular dental check-ups: Your dentist can monitor the implant and surrounding teeth to ensure they remain healthy. Regular visits are an essential preventative measure.
- Avoid certain foods: Hard or sticky foods can exert unnecessary pressure or damage your implant. Caution in your diet can help ensure the longevity of your implant.
- Care for the implant like a natural tooth: The routines and habits that keep your natural teeth healthy will do the same for your implant. A dental implant should be cared for with the same diligence as natural teeth.
Who Are Good Candidates For Dental Implants?
You may be good candidates for dental implants if you are missing single or multiple teeth. It is essential to have healthy gums and adequate jawbone mass to support the implant. If you have diabetes or smoke, you may need additional evaluation to determine your eligibility, as both of these conditions can affect the healing process.
As always, speak with your dentist, Dr. Paula J. Schmidt or Dr. Braiden Jorgensen, about your concerns during your initial dental implant consultation.
Dental Implants in Jackson, WY
Dental implants have revolutionized the way people restore missing teeth. They offer a permanent solution that looks and functions like a natural tooth and gives you a complete smile you can be proud of. As both a restorative and cosmetic solution, dental implants are an excellent procedure that can help your smile. If you are missing one more tooth, please schedule an appointment with us at Dental Care of Jackson Hole to see if dental implants are right for you.