Dental Implants for Metairie: Long Term, Natural-Looking Tooth Replacement
Whether you are missing just one, a couple, or even all of your teeth, they can truly be a daily burden. People with missing teeth are often very self-conscious about them, and they can often prevent someone from enjoying their favorite foods. What some may not know, however, is that people with missing teeth are much more likely to develop gum disease and bite alignment problems, both of which can lead to even more tooth loss! To avoid this litany of issues, the best thing to do is always replace missing teeth, and the best way to do this, by far, is with dental implants.
Dental implants are the most state-of-the-art tooth replacement solution available today, and if you’re ready to say “goodbye” to the gaps in your smile, our dentist, Dr. James R. Nelson and our team can provide them for you.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is actually a small titanium post that is placed directly into the jawbone in order to restore the root structure of a lost tooth. This can then be used to support a variety of restorations that can replace everything from a single tooth to an entire smile. Since these implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, they provide these new teeth with unrivaled stability. Plus, they also support the jaw from within just like natural teeth, which helps a patient maintain their face’s shape and fullness. Dental implants are truly special because they are the only treatment that can do this!
How Do Dental Implants Actually Replace Teeth?
When you choose to get dental implants, the process will start with a minor surgery in which the posts will be placed into your jaw. To ensure the success of this procedure, it will be performed by a local specialist of Dr. Nelson’s choosing. Once you have completely healed (which can take 3-6 months depending on your situation), you’ll return to Nelson Dental Care to have your new teeth placed.
For a single missing tooth, Dr. Nelson will restore it using something called an implant-retained crown. First, he’ll attach a metal connector to the implant post called an abutment that will show above your gum line and resemble the shape and size of your tooth. To complete the process, he’ll place an all-porcelain crown over it to make it look completely natural. Dental porcelain is an amazing material because it can replicate a tooth’s shape, size, color, strength, and even feel!
In the case of a few missing teeth in a row, Dr. Nelson can use two implant-retained crowns to support a bridge. He’ll simply place two crowns on either side of the gap in your smile, and these will be attached to prosthetic teeth that fill the space.
Dental implants can also be used to support a partial or full denture. Implant-retained dentures are anchored directly into the jawbone just like natural teeth, giving them a stability that traditional dentures simply can’t match. They’ll also maintain their fit for much longer than normal dentures, and they even give a patient a bite force more similar to natural teeth, allowing them to eat a wider variety of foods with confidence.
With the proper maintenance, dental implants have been shown to last for 30 years or more, making them the most long-term solution for missing teeth currently available.
How Can I Get Dental Implants?
If you’re ready to have your complete smile back, please contact our office today for a consultation. We are based in Metairie, so we’re happy to serve patients in Bonnabel Place as well as Lakeview and West End, New Orleans.
Cost of Dental Implants
With dental implants, patients who previously had to settle for unfortunate lifestyle changes are once again able to resume their normal habits. That’s because it’s the crème de la crème of tooth replacement. Don’t let another day go by without taking action to have your smile and functionality restored. Contact us at Nelson Dental Care to schedule an initial visit. With the expert care that Dr. James Nelson provides, your smile and confidence will be renewed!
Dental Implant Frequently Asked Questions
Perhaps after reading all of the above information on dental implants, you’re considering getting them, but you still have a few questions. After all, implants are quite the investment in your smile. Not to worry; we have gathered some of the most commonly asked questions that we get about dental implants and answered them for your convenience. If you have a query that you don’t see answered here, feel free to contact us at Nelson Dental Care and ask.
Why Do I Need a Bone Graft?
Some people need a bone grafting procedure before they can receive dental implants in Metairie. This is because when you’ve been undergoing tooth loss, your jawbone begins to deteriorate. It no longer receives stimulation from your natural tooth roots, leaving it to atrophy. As a result, your jawbone is no longer strong enough to accommodate dental implants. Bone grafting solves this problem. By grafting artificial bone tissue onto your jawbone, it will ensure that it has the strength to support as many implants as you need.
What Can Cause Implant Failure?
Smoking is one of the biggest causes of implant failure in the first few months after implant placement. This is because smoking (or chewing) tobacco significantly slows down the oral healing process, which is crucial to your implant becoming one with your jawbone. We highly suggest quitting smoking before considering dental implants.
The other main cause of implant failure is infections within either the bone or soft tissue in the mouth. Having uncontrolled diabetes or gum disease can greatly increase your risk of implant failure. That’s why Dr. Nelson, your dentist in Metairie, recommends getting those conditions managed before undergoing implant placement surgery.
Does Getting Dental Implants Hurt?
The vast majority of patients report only a minimal amount of discomfort with their procedure. In fact, many prefer implant placement to having a tooth extracted. However, as with any kind of oral surgery, you can expect some degree of swelling and discomfort for a few days afterwards. This can be managed by applying a cold compress to the area and/or taking over-the-counter pain medications as directed on the bottle.
After Implant Surgery, Can I Return to Work?
The answer to this question depends on the complexity of your case. If your surgery is relatively small, such as getting a single implant, then you might just be able to resume your day as normal afterwards. If, however, your case is more complex, we might recommend taking a couple of days to rest and recuperate before returning to work.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Implants are designed to easily last for at least 30 years. They can last longer, even for the rest of your life, if you take proper care of them, which involves regular brushing, flossing, and checkups and cleanings with Dr. Nelson.