If you’ve recently lost a tooth, it’s important that you reach out to our Wyoming dentist as soon as possible. Dr. Langellier will help you explore your tooth replacement options, including dental implants, so you can make the best decision for your oral health.
Many patients prefer dental implants because they look and feel like natural teeth. Unlike dentures, you’ll never have to worry about your dental implants slipping. This is because they’re embedded in the jawbone for the ultimate stability while you eat, talk, and smile.
Here’s what you can expect when getting dental implants.
During your consultation, Dr. Langellier will determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants. In general, candidates must have sufficient bone density in their jaws to support the implants. Otherwise, Dr. Langellier may recommend a bone graft to build up the jaw.
It’s also preferred that candidates for dental implants be non-smokers. This is because smoking inhibits the body’s natural ability to heal itself, especially after the dental implant procedure.
If you’re not a candidate for dental implants, Dr. Langellier will create a treatment plan to replace your missing tooth and restore your oral health. For example, Dr. Langellier may recommend full or partial dentures instead of dental implants.
Learn More: Dental Implants vs. Dentures →
Dr. Langellier will use an anesthetic to numb the soft tissue by your tooth. Once you’re numb and comfortable, he’ll make a small incision along the gums and insert the implant into the underlying jawbone.
Next, Dr. Langellier will place a temporary abutment and crown over the implant to give you the function of a natural tooth while the implant fuses to the bone.
One of the benefits of choosing Bowtie Dental is that we do all of this in-house. This means that you don’t have to wait weeks to be referred and seen by a specialist.
It’ll take several months for your tooth implant to fuse with the jawbone. This is a process called osseointegration. Our dentist will monitor your progress as you heal to ensure the implant is making a strong connection with the jawbone.
Once osseointegration is complete, Dr. Langellier will replace the temporary abutment and dental crown with the permanent ones.
Dental implants can last for decades if you practice good oral hygiene. This means that you’ll need to commit to brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time. You’ll also need to floss your teeth once a day to remove any plaque or food particles hiding between teeth.
The better you take care of your oral health, the longer you can expect your dental implants to last.
If you ever have any questions about how to care for your dental implants, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. We’d be more than happy to help!
Dr. Eric Langellier is an experienced dentist in Wyoming, MI, who’s proud to serve patients throughout Greater Grand Rapids. To request an appointment, please call Bowtie Dental at (616) 532-9003. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.