A dental implant in Lincoln, NE, is a marvel of modern technology, but its ancestral roots stretch back thousands of years to the invention of the humble mechanical thread.
A Greek named Archytas of Tarentum recognized the usefulness of a threaded post, which could press olive oil, move water uphill, and, most vitally, hold itself in place where a smooth peg would slip out.
Fast forward to today's dental offices, and the threaded post has become the foundation for all dental implant technology, largely considered the gold standard for tooth replacement.
Antelope Creek Family Dentistry provides options for tooth replacement in Lincoln, NE, to restore your smile, including dental implants.
What Is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants consist of three major parts. From top to bottom:
- A titanium tooth root
- An abutment
- A dental crown or prosthetic
The implant's foundation—your replacement tooth root—is a thin threaded post that our implant dentist surgically places in the jawbone. This artificial root is made from titanium, a durable metal that is compatible with your natural tissues. In other words, your jawbone will accept the implant!
After implantation, the titanium post heals and becomes fused with your jawbone. After a few weeks or months, it will be as stable as the healthiest tooth in your mouth.
Now it's time to attach your implant abutment to the titanium post, and its unique structure provides a connector for your dental crown. This final restoration has the look and feel of a natural tooth but is made from durable porcelain, which resists stains and tooth decay.
You can also talk to the dentist about implant-supported dentures and bridges.
Can Someone with Gum Disease Get Dental Implants?
Your Lincoln dentist will evaluate your gum disease level and jawbone health to answer this question better. It's important to remember that early gum disease (or gingivitis) is often curable with intervention from the dentist.
Before tooth replacement or cosmetic dentistry, your dentist will always assess your oral health to ensure your candidacy for treatment. Sometimes, you may need pretreatments to ensure dental implants or other therapies suit you.
If implants are not suitable, we will talk to you about alternatives.
Benefits of Dental Implants
All tooth replacement comes with benefits, but none so much as dental implants. Dental implants restore your tooth in its entirety—root to crown. This guards against jawbone loss and tooth migration. Implants are the only tooth replacement option that helps protect bone.
Dental implants don't require specialized care, and there are no products to purchase. Instead, you treat them like natural teeth. This is not the case with dental bridges and dentures.
Dental implants never need relines or adjustments, and they are known for their unique longevity, lasting for decades and sometimes for life.
Possible Risks or Concerns with Dental Implants
All invasive treatments (minimally or otherwise) come with risks. Fortunately, the benefits outweigh the risks when it comes to dental implants.
Potential risks include dental implant failure due to gum disease or lack of dental care. There is also a slight risk of infection. But following your dentist's aftercare instructions can significantly lower your chances for complications.
Your dentist will discuss potential risks based on your unique oral anatomy and health.
How to Care for Dental Implants
We recommend following the same guidelines whether you have implants or not.
- Brush and floss at least twice daily or after eating.
- See your implant dentist in Lincoln, NE, every six months for preventive dental care.
- Never hesitate to ask questions about your oral health or share concerns.
What to Expect When Getting Dental Implants in Lincoln
When considering a dental implant, the first thing to expect is a thorough examination to determine if your oral and jawbone health can support the procedure. Our Lincoln, NE, dentists use leading-edge imaging technology to plan the exact location of your implant, and we may complete the outpatient surgical procedure with just a local anesthetic.
After you've healed from surgery, you can expect the abutment procedure to be straightforward with a short recovery period. Then, finally, we will produce and place your dental crown, and your dental implant will be complete.
Choose Antelope Creek Family Dentistry for Your Implant Dentist in Lincoln
Though rooted in history, your dental implant represents a long list of technological advancements in replacing missing teeth. If you'd like to learn more about how dental implants may restore your smile, please get in touch with Antelope Creek Family Dentistry on Normal Blvd or 40th St in Lincoln, NE, today!