At Nashua Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, PLLC of Nashua, NH, patients in the community have access to a variety of services to help them achieve and maintain the best oral health and wellness! Our professionals are dedicated to providing options for individuals, especially those who are faced with tooth loss. Replacement of missing teeth can be achieved with a variety of treatments, including dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants.
The benefit of dental implants
Visiting us to ask about tooth replacement options starts with a consultation. Whenever possible, when patients are missing a single tooth, our team suggests the advantages of using dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are small titanium posts that are used as tooth root replacements. Then, the dental implants are restored over the abutment with dental crowns made of porcelain. The entire process takes some time, but the restoration lasts for years!
Some of the advantages of using dental implants include:
- Long-lasting replacement of a natural tooth
- Durability and strength
- Natural appearance
- Versatility
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Because dental implants require patients to have enough bone structure to stimulate the process of osseointegration after surgery, it is important for patients to determine candidacy first. An evaluation to determine candidacy would include x-rays to look at the bone structure. This will greatly impact the success of the treatment. Additionally, if patients are serious about having a dental implant but are not considered a candidate, bone grafting can be performed to prepare the area for the placement of an implant. Our team of professionals can recommend appropriate specialists to complete this treatment in preparation of the placement of implants.
What is the process of obtaining dental implants?
First, patients book a consultation appointment with Dr. Amanda Smith of Nashua Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, PLLC. During this appointment, the patient is evaluated, and x-rays are taken to determine if patients are appropriate candidates for the placement of dental implants. Once patients choose to continue with this treatment, the dentist will determine the placement of the implant. With proper planning and precision placement, patients can rest easy that their treatment will go as planned! Patients can also speak with our team about the types of sedation that are available for the actual procedure itself. The procedure is done as an oral surgery in which the implant is placed into the bone of the jaw. Then, the area is allowed time to heal, as well as the stimulation of bone growth with osseointegration. Osseointegration can take several weeks to occur. This is the bone growth that fuses around the implant and keeps it sturdy and strong. Once the implant is firmly in place, a restoration is made to be placed over the top of the implant. For a single tooth, patients will have a dental crown custom-made to place over the abutment. For multiple teeth, patients may have a bridge fabricated and placed or even a full denture. Some patients use dental implants as a foundation for their dentures to provide optimum stability and strength.
Is the process of obtaining dental implants painful?
The procedure for placing dental implants is not painful, as we utilize proper sedation and anesthetics. However, for a few days following oral surgery, patients may experience some soreness, which can be addressed with over-the-counter pain medications.
Alternatives to dental implants for tooth replacement
Other options for tooth replacement available at Nashua Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, PLLC include dentures and dental bridges. Both can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple lost teeth. However, if patients are seeking a permanent, no-fuss, long-term solution, they are often encouraged to think about the advantages of utilizing dental implants whenever possible.
Schedule an appointment today!
Contact Dr. Amanda Smith of Nashua Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, PLLC at 1 Trafalgar Square, #103 to discuss the benefits of tooth replacement with dental implants. Our practice can be reached by phone at (855) 363-3793 today!