Dental Implants in Maryville, TN

A dental implant is a titanium post implanted into the jawbone that is fitted with a crown to replace a missing tooth. The implant procedure takes a few months to complete as the bone and soft tissue need to grow around and fuse with the metal post. Once healed, the implant is stable and ready to support a tooth replacement. Once the crown is placed over the dental implant and the gums have fully healed around it, a patient can chew normally again without worrying that their false tooth will fall out or move when they eat.

At Spencer Dental, we use dental implants to restore patients’ smiles after tooth loss and help them feel confident once again. If cared for properly with regular brushing and flossing and avoiding bad habits like smoking that can cause gum disease, a dental implant should last a lifetime.

Am I a Candidate for a Dental Implant?

Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. However, some circumstances may prevent patients from being able to receive dental implants. It is essential to discuss any health conditions you have with our dentist before considering implants. Certain medical conditions and medications can affect the success of your procedure.

Additionally, patients who smoke or drink excessive amounts of alcohol are not ideal candidates for dental implants due to an increased risk of implant failure. In some cases, patients may not have enough bone density to support an implant. In these cases, patients may have to undergo an additional bone grafting procedure before an implant can be placed. 

Why Are Implants Better Than Other Tooth Replacement Options?

Whether you have lost a tooth due to decay or injury, dental implants are the best option to replace them. Other options like bridges and dentures can cause structural changes to your jaw and result in long-term complications. Unlike these alternatives, dental implants support jawbone health and allow you to regain your ability to eat and speak naturally and smile confidently!

Other alternatives like dental bridges also require adjacent teeth to be reshaped for support. This process may weaken these teeth and increase the risk of tooth decay. Dental implants do not harm healthy neighboring teeth and are rooted in the jawbone like natural teeth.

Bridges are only effective in a limited number of cases since they require the adjacent teeth to be strong enough to support the bridge. For more significant tooth loss, a complete denture may be necessary. However, since dentures rest on the gums, they can slip and irritate your mouth when eating and speaking. Bone loss may also occur over time in the jaw area. With dental implants, your restoration will be securely held in place and will not move or fall out of your mouth and your jawbone will stay healthy.

Visit Spencer Dental at 207 Southdowne Dr, Maryville, TN 37801, or call (865) 983-5451 to find out if dental implants are right for you.