Implant dentistry has brought about many changes in the way dentists deal with tooth loss. Implants provide permanent, stationary, natural-looking new teeth that will serve you for a lifetime. Implant surgery involves placing an artificial root in the jawbone. The procedure is usually performed with local anesthetic.
Implant surgery is usually performed under local anesthetic. According to your preferences and those of your oral surgeon, you might also be administered conscious sedation to increase your comfort levels. In some cases, such as the replacement of an entire arc of teeth, an oral surgeon might prefer a general anesthetic.
During your consultation with your oral surgeon, you’ll discuss these details as well as how to prepare for your surgery. Local anesthetic requires different preparation than general anesthetic, so be sure to follow the instructions you receive so your procedure will be comfortable and successful.
With implant dentistry, you can have your missing teeth replaced with teeth that are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. They are permanent, and they remain stationary in your mouth. The root portion of the implant helps keep your jawbone healthy, preventing the bone tissue from degenerating over time. Implant dentistry is appropriate to replace anything from a single tooth to all your teeth. One tooth can be replaced without making any changes to your other teeth to anchor a bridge.
A consultation with your oral surgeon will help you determine if you are a good candidate for implants. If you’re generally healthy, a non-smoker, and do not have diabetes or an autoimmune disorder, implants might be a great option for you to replace your missing teeth. Some other issues, such as gum disease or lack of bone mass in the jaw, could require some pre-treatment to ensure a successful implant procedure.
If you have a missing tooth or teeth and would like to find out more about how implants can help restore your smile, please contact our office at 702-367-6666 to schedule a consultation.