Dental Implants
About Dental Implants
Permanent Antigo Tooth Replacement
Tooth loss may not be the most common dental problem, but it affects more people than you might assume. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), by 35, most adults in America have had at least one of their natural teeth replaced. If you’re in Antigo and need to replace a missing tooth, Progressive Dental is here to help.
Dental implants are a permanent, restorative procedure to give you back your full smile. Unlike other restorative dentistry procedures, like dentures or bridges, dental implants almost never need to be replaced and can be treated exactly like natural teeth.
Dental implants are a type of restorative dentistry that combines a dental crown with a small metal post. The post is made of titanium or zirconium and placed into the gum to mimic the root of a tooth. The gum and jaw tissue then bond around the post, similar to the way they do for natural teeth. The installation of the post is known as the ‘placement’ procedure and usually takes around 12 weeks to heal.
Once the post has bonded to the bone and gums, the restoration procedure can occur. The top of the post has an abutment that acts as an anchor for a crown. Dental crowns are commonly made of porcelain or ceramic and specially crafted to match the color of natural teeth. As crowns have become more natural-looking and similar to real teeth, they have increased the popularity of dental implants.
Breaking Down the Procedure
If you’re in need of a tooth replacement and want dental implants, the first step is to learn whether you’re a viable candidate. This can be done with a few short scans and a detailed look at your oral history by Dr. Reimer or Dr. Romero. At the end of this evaluation, you will know whether you’re a candidate for dental implants and we can suggest how best to proceed.
If you’re given the green light, our team will refer you to a specialist who will carefully place a post in the space left by your missing teeth. A temporary crown will be attached atop the post while your implant is left to heal and bond with the jaw.
Once the post has healed, you can return to Progressive Dental for your restoration. A permanent crown will have been prepared specifically to match your teeth. Dr. Reimer or Dr. Romero will carefully place the permanent crown on the post, adhering it with a strong and permanent dental cement. Once the crown is securely placed there is little to no adjustment period. After the appointment you’ll be able to use your new, permanent dental implants without any reservations.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Natural appearance. Your dental implant will look exactly like the rest of your natural teeth. No unsightly metal or discolored replacements.
- Maintain regular cleaning habits. Unlike braces or dentures, there are no additional cleaning plans necessary for dental implants. If you follow a recommended cleaning schedule, that is all that is needed for your implants. They can be flossed and brushed like natural teeth.
- Full oral functions. There are no restrictions with implants. Your jaw has unimpeded movement and speaking or chewing is similarly unaffected.
- Protects from other dental issues. If missing teeth are not replaced, they can cause a number of problems. The adjacent teeth will slant inwards to fill the space and affect your smile and occlusion. Dental implants prevent these and other issues from arising and protect your smile.
Interested in Dental Implants?
Contact Progressive Dental today!
At Progressive Dental, our team has treated many cases of tooth loss and know what solution is best for you. Dr. Reimer & Dr. Romero can walk you through the procedure and identify whether you’re a candidate for dental implants.
Don’t let tooth loss affect your oral hygiene. If you’re in the Antigo area, call Progressive Dental at (715) 623-7221. You can also contact us online or visit us in person at 2010 Progress Blvd, Antigo, WI, 54409. We look forward to meeting you.
