Dental Implants Specialist

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are natural-looking artificial teeth and roots made of metal or ceramic and used to replace missing teeth. Not only do dental implants look like real teeth, they provide the strength of natural teeth, too. Dental implants are placed directly into the jaw to secure an artificial tooth or bridge.

Can a dental implant replace my missing tooth?

Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. You can replace missing teeth with dental implants if you have the proper bone density to support the implant and can maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent infection.

If you are not a candidate for dental implants, Dr. Knight may suggest traditional dentures, bridges, or crowns for restoring missing teeth.

What is the dental implant process?

Placing a dental implant requires oral surgery. The Knight’s Dental team takes X-rays to look at your jawbone to determine if it's healthy enough to support the implant. During the procedure, Dr. Knight administers anesthesia to maintain your comfort and uses special tools to prep your jawbone for the implant and secure it in the bone. 

Once the implant is in place, you’ll wait several weeks to months to give the bone time to heal around the implant. After your jawbone tissue has healed, you return to Knight’s Dental to insert metal posts and place the dental crown or other restoration.

What is crown lengthening?

Crown lengthening procedures reshape the gums to expose more tooth surface. If necessary, Dr. Knight can remove some of the jaw bone to extend the height of the tooth and give your new restoration enough structure to stay in place.

You may require crown lengthening procedures with your dental implant if you have:

• Short teeth
• Severe tooth decay below gum line
• A fractured tooth below gum line
• A broken tooth

To gain better access to the treatment area, Dr. Knight can reduce the bone level and gum tissue around the restoration.

Are dental implants permanent?

Dental implants are not completely permanent, but they are a long-lasting tooth replacement option. When properly cared for, dental implants last 25 years or more. 

Dental implants can withstand as much pressure from chewing or biting as a natural tooth because they are anchored into the jawbone. Dental implants offer the additional benefit of preventing jawbone deterioration.

How do I care for my dental implant?

Properly caring for a dental implant involves the same oral hygiene routine as caring for natural teeth. Brush and floss twice daily, and visit Knight’s Dental twice annually for professional cleanings and dental exams.

To prolong the life of your implant and restoration, avoid biting or chewing on hard foods or objects, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use.

If you have one or more missing teeth and would like to find out if you’re a candidate for dental implants, call Knight’s Dental or schedule an appointment online today.