It’s never too late to achieve the smile you are looking for. With the newest innovations in technology and durable synthetic materials, you can restore your smile and overall oral health with a permanent dental implant. Not only will your implant completely replicate the bite and feel of a regular tooth, but it will also help maintain and restore the regular functionality of your mouth and face.
Dental implants play a key role in restorative dentistry and can help replace extracted teeth, prevent further bone loss, and more. If you believe you may be a good candidate for restorative dentistry and are looking for a cleaner, stronger smile, reach out to us at Journal Square Dental.
What Restorative Dentistry Encompasses
Restorative dentistry is all about bringing your oral health back to a place of good standing and regular functionality. Whether it’s been disturbed by a gum disease like periodontitis, or you need a tooth extraction because of an infection or crack, restorative surgery begins with an initial examination and x-ray.
Once the problem areas have been detected, your dentist will devise a plan of action. Typical restorative dentistry includes the following steps:
Implant Preparation
If you have lost a tooth due to infection or need to have a tooth extracted, addressing this area will typically be the first course of action. An implant cannot go straight into an area still actively battling infection. Once the infection has been treated with professional cleanings and the problem tooth has been extracted or surgically cleaned with a root canal, implant preparation can begin.
If you lost your tooth a while ago, it is likely you have experienced shifting. This can include the shifting of other teeth toward the open gap in the gums, or the shifting of your jawbone and sinuses. With a bone deteriorated and weakened by infection, the sinuses in your face can begin to sag. A bone graft can be put in to restrengthen the area and provide a solid foundation for your new implant to live in.
Dental Implants
Depending on your circumstances and how much of the natural tooth was preserved, your dentist will offer a variety of different options for your implant. You can elect for something more temporary, like traditional dentures, or a permanent option, like a crown or implant-supported dentures. With implant-supported dentures, you are using the natural bone to create a permanent tooth replacement. This replicates the exact bite and feel of a regular tooth and can last you the rest of your life, given you take proper care of it.
Additionally, having an implant-supported denture helps restore other features of your mouth, such as the jawbone. The implant will stimulate natural tissue growth and begin to target the receding bone.
Implant Maintenance
The final aspect of restorative dentistry, and possibly the most important, is maintenance. Once you have a new implant in place, you must treat it like you would the rest of your teeth: daily brushing, flossing, and yearly professional cleanings. Failure to adhere to proper cleaning maintenance can result in you losing the implant and experiencing further oral disease, infection, and decay.
Your dentist can help establish a proper schedule to ensure your implant is getting the attention it deserves.
Speak With a Dental Expert About Your Restorative Needs Today
The first step to getting the results you are looking for is speaking with your dentist. Journal Square Dental has proudly served our local community for decades now, offering top-notch services to all that may need them. Our patient-first approach has made us a popular choice for any restorative dentistry needs.
See how we can best help you today by calling (201) 431-0288 or by filling out our online contact form.
