If you’ve recently lost a tooth, or several teeth, due to trauma or decay, you’re likely thinking about how you can fix the gap in your smile. You may be considering dental bridges, dentures, or implants. Many patients are turning to implants to not only improve the appearance of their smiles, but also to keep their mouths in the healthiest state.
Replacing a missing tooth is important because it prevents the surrounding teeth from shifting, keeps facial structure from sagging, and gives you the ability to eat, speak, and look just like you did before you lost the tooth.
If you’re considering implant dentistry, Dr. Mungcal of Downtown Dental has a few things he wants you to know:
- A dental implant is a replacement tooth root. A piece of titanium is inserted into and fuses with the jawbone. Once the bone has grown around the implant, a crown is placed.
- The implant process occurs over a few months and requires several visits to the dentist’s office. First you have the implant placed, and then you are given time to heal and for the bone to grow. That can take several weeks to a few months. Once it’s complete, you’ll return to the office to have the crown placed. During the time that you’re waiting for the bone to fuse and the crown to be created, you wear a temporary replacement tooth.
- Dental implants are strong and secure. Once your implant is placed it functions exactly like one of your original teeth. You are able to eat anything you want and you can speak clearly.
- Dental implants can be used to replace one, several, or an entire set of teeth.
- While the procedure is called implant surgery, you will be comfortable and relaxed the entire time. Dr. Mungcal offers sedation dentistry for patients who need it in addition to local anesthesia. Whether or not you choose sedation, you won’t feel a thing during the procedure. Afterwards, you may have some swelling and pain, but it is usually mild and can be treated with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Dr. Mungcal has been treating West Hollywood patients for nearly 25 years. Call today to schedule a consultation and find out if implants are right for you.
