Are Dental Implants Better Than Bridges?

/0 Comments/in , /by

If you have a missing tooth, your dentist will likely suggest a replacement to take its place. A missing tooth can cause a variety of problems including difficulty chewing and difficulty pronouncing words. A missing tooth can also have a bigger impact on your dental health, by allowing other teeth in the mouth to move out of place.

Your dentist may recommend a dental bridge or a dental implant to fill the hole, depending on factors like your dental health and even your budget. Both types of prosthetic teeth can fill the space where your old tooth was, but each option is very different in its installation. It’s important to understand the difference. Yourdentist in Grand Island, NE can help you decide which one is the best option for your smile.

What Is A Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth that’s surgically inserted into the jaw. Implants are installed over the course of several dental visits. In fact, it can take up to a year to have the final implant in your mouth.

First, the dentist will install a post. Then, the dentist will install the abutment. Finally, the dentist will put a crown on top. If your jaw lacks sufficient density or volume, you may even need bone grafting before this procedure can be conducted. Your jaw will need to heal between each step.

Once the implant is in place, it’s a permanent replacement for your missing tooth. Dental implants look like and function very much like real teeth.

What Is A Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that’s placed between two healthy teeth. The bridge relies on a crown that is placed over each adjacent tooth to keep the artificial tooth in place.

In order to install the bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap must be ground down a little to make space for the crowns. Bridges are installed over fewer trips to the dentist, but they rely on the healthy teeth on either side of the bridge to stay in place.

Is One Better Than The Other?

Whether to get a dental implant or adental bridge in Grand Island, NE is up to you and your dentist. Work with your dentist at Gentle Dental Care to decide which one is best for you. Your dentist can help you make the decision, so call today to make an appointment.

The Dental Implant Procedure

/0 Comments/in /by

Wish you could change the appearance of your smile? Your dentist in Grand Island, NE, has solutions. Often dental implants are the answer, especially if you’ve lost one or more of your natural teeth. Through the application of dental implants, you can have your bright, dazzling smile back again. Here’s what you need to know about the dental implant procedure.

Dental Implants are Permanent

Once you’ve sat down with your dentist and made the decision to have one or more dental implants, they’ll schedule you with an oral surgeon. This is the professional who will implant the metal post through your gum and into the bone below. You’ll have anesthesia during the procedure and medication afterward to help with any lingering discomfort, so you won’t have to worry about pain.

Once the post is implanted, it will need time, usually 6 weeks to 2 months, to bond with the bone. Once the post has osseointegrated, it can last a lifetime. Much depends on how you care for your dental implant once it’s in place.

Dental Implants Require Several Visits to the Dentist

Once the metal post is firmly anchored, you’ll return to your dentist to have an abutment placed atop the post. This acts as the connector between the post and crown. Lastly, they’ll place the crown. This is the hollow shell that looks just like a natural tooth. Once in place, no one will ever know it’s not your own.

The whole process takes several repeat visits to your dentist because it’s completed in a step-by-step format. Your dentist will want to check in with you after your procedure, too. This ensures that everything is going well with your implant.

Dental Implants Restore Function and Appearance

Dental implants can revolutionize the way you feel about your smile. They’ll restore function to your teeth, too. They’re just as strong as natural teeth, which means you’ll once again be able to bite, grind, and chew your favorite foods.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of dental implants in Grand Island, NE, and whether they’re a good fit for you, contact Gentle Dental Care today. We’re happy to sit down with you to answer all your questions regarding the implant procedure.

Sources

Dental Implants

older woman smiling with dental implants

How Can I Maintain My Dental Implant?

/0 Comments/in /by

Do you have dental implants or are you thinking about getting dental implants soon? If so, it’s important to know how to maintain implants so they can last. With proper care, dental implants can last decades. As your dentist in Grand Island, NE, we’re happy to help you with this process by answering your questions and giving you proper instructions for maintaining your implants. Here’s what you need to know.

Dental Implant General Hygiene Information

Dental implants are fused to the jaw, just like real teeth. Because dental implants are a permanent part of your mouth, they’re maintained a lot like your natural teeth.

  • Brushing. Brush your dental implants twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft bristle toothbrush. If you have concerns about whether your toothpaste of choice is appropriate for a dental implant, ask your dentist. Generally speaking, whitening toothpaste is not good for a dental implant. Avoid any use of toothpaste that is made with activated charcoal.
  • Floss once daily. Floss your implant with dental floss. Be careful when flossing around your implant, as you could accidentally break through the peri-implant seal, which could lead to implant failure. Your dentist will show you how to delicately but effectively floss around your implant.

Can You Whiten Dental Implants?

No, unfortunately, you cannot whiten dental implants. Whitening implants will cause your natural teeth to become whiter while the implant stays the same color. In the end, you’ll be left with teeth that are two different colors.

How Often Should You See the Dentist?

Once your implant is installed, you’ll see the dentist every six months, just like you would with natural teeth. If you need to see the dentist on a different maintenance schedule, your dentist will let you know.

Your dental implants in Grand Island, NE should last a long time if they’re well installed and well maintained. In fact, implants that are properly installed and cared for can last for decades. The first step to making this happen is to get your implants through Gentle Dental Care. Call today to make an appointment.

Do Dental Implants Look Natural? And Other Frequently Asked Questions

/0 Comments/in /by

Dental implants are one of the most popular forms of prosthetic teeth available, because of their appearance and impressive performance. Dental implants function just natural teeth, because they’re implanted in and fused with the jaw. As your dentist in Grand Island, NE, we can help you decide if dental implants are the right type of prosthetic teeth for you. Below, we’ve listed several types of dental implants.

Do dental implants look natural?

Most dental implants look natural, because they’re made from tooth-colored material that’s color matched to the other teeth in the mouth. Some types of dental implants, however, are made from metal and do not look like natural teeth. Metal implants are usually installed in the back of the mouth, so they won’t stand out from the other teeth. If you would like your dental implants to look natural, talk to your dentist to ensure that the material chosen for your dental implants will achieve this look.

How are dental implants maintained?

Dental implants are maintained just like normal teeth: they need to be brushed twice daily and flossed. Use non-abrasive toothpaste to maintain your dental implants. This type of toothpaste will prevent scratches and stains.

How long do dental implants last?

With proper installation, the part of the dental implant that’s fused to the jaw should last for a lifetime. The crown will last for less time – maybe 10 to 15 years before it needs to be replaced. How long the crown lasts depends on what kind of material it’s made from. Crowns made from resin last for less time than crowns made from metal.

How are dental implants installed?

Dental implants are surgically installed over multiple visits to the doctor. First, the implant is inserted into the jaw. Once that has healed, the abutment is attached. Once that has healed, the crown is installed. Your dentist will tell you more about the process, so you’ll be prepared.

Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

You’re likely a good candidate for dental implants in Grand Island NE if you’re missing a tooth and have sufficient jaw bone to support an implant. You will also need to have good oral hygiene habits and good oral health. Your dentist can help you decide if dental implants are right for you, so make an appointment with Gentle Dental Care today.