Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and when you’re missing a front tooth, it can be embarrassing and harmful to your self-esteem. But how can you restore your gorgeous grin and your lost confidence? The good news is that a popular tooth restoration treatment called dental implants could be the answer. Here’s what you need to know.
Location, Location, Location
When you think about dental implants, what comes to mind for many people is replacements for back teeth that have been lost due to damage or decay. But the good news is that these durable, versatile prosthetics are available for front teeth, too! In fact, as long as you have sufficient oral health and jawbone density, you can restore a tooth from any space in your arches with a dental implant.
How Do I Get a Front Tooth Implant?
If you’d like to replace a front tooth with a dental implant, the process looks the same as anywhere else. First, you’ll need to see your dentist for a consultation. At this appointment, you will receive an oral health examination and X-rays or other imaging. If you need any preliminary treatment such as gum disease therapy, a bone graft, or fillings on existing teeth, these will need to be addressed first. Your team will also give you an estimated cost for your entire treatment at this time.
Once your mouth is in sufficient health to undergo dental implant surgery, your implant can be placed. Following your surgery, your implant will need to fuse with the bone for three to six months in a process called osseointegration. Once this is done, you will return to your dentist to have the abutment (the piece that connects the prosthetic tooth to the implant) placed. While you’re recovering from this minor surgery, the dental lab will be hard at work creating your crown. Once you are healed, you will return to your dentist to have the prosthetic tooth placed on the abutment, and you’ll be free to enjoy your new dental implant!
Caring for Your Dental Implant
Taking care of your new dental implant is very important, but thankfully quite easy. Simply brush and floss around it like you would your natural teeth and visit your dentist every six months for your regular dental exam and cleaning appointments. Furthermore, be sure to avoid bad oral habits like smoking or using your teeth as tools. Although dental implants boast an impressive 95 percent success rate even ten years after placement, they still could fail if not properly cared for.
Remember, if you’re missing a front tooth, there’s no need to resign yourself to a life of hiding your smile from the world. Durable, realistic dental implants can restore any tooth in your arch, even the front teeth. If you’re ready to bring back your gorgeous grin, speak to your dentist today about dental implants.
About Dr. Rose
Dr. Beverly Rose earned her bachelor’s in biology from the University of South Florida and her doctorate in dental medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. She regularly attends courses on a wide variety of topics through the prestigious Las Vegas Institute. She also regularly attends clinical seminars through the International Association of Comprehensive Aesthetics, the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. To schedule a consultation for dental implants, visit our website or call us today at 321-259-4666.