Dental Implants Are The Long-Term Tooth Replacement Option

By Joseph R. Hendrick, Jr., DDS, PA

January 25, 2017

Tags: Dental Implants restorative dentistry

Looking to replace one or more missing teeth with a reliable restoration? Then consider dental implants.

While there are certainly many tooth replacement options to choose from in Shelby, NC, if you are looking for a dental restoration that is durable, strong and can last a long time, then you will want to talk to our dentist Dr. Joseph Hendrick, Jr. about whether dental implants are right for you.

What makes dental implants a great option for replacing your missing tooth or teeth? There are so many benefits that you’ll enjoy when you decide to get dental implants over other tooth replacements. First of all, a dental implant is as close as you’ll ever get to a natural tooth. This is because it works much like natural tooth 's roots and even fuses together with your jawbone to become a strong, permanent foundation from which to hold a dental crown (or other restoration if you are replacing more than one missing tooth).

Of course, the success of dental implants relies on your health and certain lifestyle factors. During your consultation, our Shelby dentist will be able to determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. Once you’ve been deemed an ideal candidate you will undergo a procedure in order to get your dental implant placed.

During your first procedure, we will insert the implant (which looks like a small metal post) into the jawbone. Once this is complete, the gums will be stitched back up. Over the course of several weeks and months, the bone and tissue will start to heal. As they grow around the implant they will also fuse together with it to become one.

Once this phenomenon is complete, we will place a connector on top of the implant. This connector piece—also referred to as an abutment—is key to connecting the implant with the dental crown. Once the gums have fully healed from this minor procedure, it’s now time to cement the crown over the abutment to give you your brand new smile.

If you want to find out if your smile is right for dental implants then it’s time to schedule your consultation with Dr. Joseph Hendrick, Jr. in Shelby, NC. Pick up the phone and call us today!