When you’re looking for a long-lasting tooth replacement option for missing teeth, dental implants can help. At Something To Smile About, Dr. Kevin Boulard helps his Merrimack, NH patients improve their oral health and how their smiles look. Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. These posts can then be connected to a crown, denture, or bridge. Dental implants are a great option for patients who don’t qualify for bridges or crowns, and who don’t want to deal with removable dentures.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth root replacements that offer a secure base for replacement teeth. A medical-grade titanium implant fixture is used, which will fuse with your jawbone to create a strong and durable anchor for new teeth. This means you won’t experience slippage and you won’t have any problems with eating.
A dental implant has three parts:
Implant: This is the screw that is the root of your new tooth and attaches to your jaw.
Abutment: A connector that supports and holds the tooth or a set of teeth in place.
Crown: This is the portion of the tooth that is visible and makes the tooth durable again.
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
At a consultation with Dr. Boulard, he will evaluate the health of your gums and jawbone to determine if you can get dental implants in Merrimack, NH. A gum or bone graft may be needed before implant surgery to ensure that you have a strong enough foundation to have a successful procedure. Anyone who smokes, is pregnant, or is undergoing periodontal disease treatment is not eligible for dental implants.
How do dental implants work?
First, Dr. Boulard prepares the gums for implant surgery with sedation or an injection that numbs them. Next, he will make an incision to access the jawbone, where he will place the titanium post directly into the bone. The incision is closed with part of the implant left above the gums. This process will be repeated if you’re getting multiple dental implants. Over time, your dental implant will fuse with the bone and your gums, a process known as osseointegration. It’s normal to experience some temporary swelling, bruising, or discomfort after implant surgery at Something To Smile About. You may be prescribed antibiotics and pain medication. After your healing process occurs, he will add your restoration – either a crown, bridge, or denture – and adjust it for the proper fit.
How to care for your dental implants
Once your implants have fused with your jawbone and your restoration has been attached, you need an efficient oral hygiene routine, so it lasts. Regular brushing, flossing, and the use of an anti-cavity mouthwash help ensure that your teeth, gums, and dental implants stay looking and feeling their best. At Something To Smile About, Dr. Boulard recommends annual dental exams and bi-annual dental cleanings so he can determine if your dental implants or any restorations need to be either repaired or replaced.
Learn how to ensure your dental implants last
Dental implants can be a great tooth replacement option for patients in Merrimack, NH who want a natural-looking and long-lasting replacement for a missing tooth. Dr. Kevin Boulard will walk with you through the steps needed to achieve a restored smile. When you want to learn more about implant dentistry, schedule an appointment for a consultation at Something To Smile About.
