Tooth loss happens because of extensive decay, oral injury or gum disease. For best oral health, function, and appearance, fill gaps in your smile with the premier tooth replacement choice: dental implants in Castle Rock from Dr. L. Blaine Kennington.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a completely artificial tooth made of three components: a titanium screw surgically inserted into the jaw, a metal alloy abutment that extends above the gums and a realistic porcelain crown. An implant replaces the missing tooth from root to crown, and Dr. Kennington may place them singly or in multiples. Additionally, dental implants support fixed bridgework or full or partial dentures, giving patients unparalleled aesthetics and stability.
While more costly at the outset than traditional tooth replacements such as partial dentures or bridgework, dental implants last for decades, failing rarely. Implants are superior because the jaw bone and titanium in the implant device meld together through a process called osseointegration. Through osseointegration, the jaw maintains size and strength, a benefit no other tooth replacement option offers.
The Dental Implant Candidate
The ideal implant candidate has good systemic and oral health, adequate bone density, eats a healthy diet, practices disciplined dental hygiene and does not use tobacco. However, if a patient has weak bone or gum disease, Dr. Kennington can treat these problems before the dental implant procedure. Children should not receive implants until their jaws are finished growing, but older teens through senior adults can take advantage of this wonderful procedure.
The Procedure and Sedation Options
By oral examination and digital X-rays, Dr. Kennington decides if a patient can receive a dental implant at Cowlitz River Dental. Usually, patients opt for simple local anesthesia to numb the area. However, if necessary, Dr. Kennington and his team offer fully monitored sedation dentistry in their Castle Rock office. Sedation options include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation (tranquilizers in pill form) and IV conscious sedation (delivered through a needle in the arm).
During the surgery, the dentist incises the gums and drills a hole in the jaw a little smaller than the implant. He places the implant device into the hole and sutures the gums closed. It’s really that simple. Surprisingly, patients often say that the stitches are the most bothersome part!
After many weeks of healing in which the bone and implant meld, the patient returns to Dr. Kennington for placement of the extension post and crown. The crown is beautifully crafted to match adjacent teeth in color, shape, and bite.
Aftercare of a Dental Implant
Research shows that dental implants succeed and are retained in up to 98 percent of cases. Good oral hygiene contributes to this outstanding track record. Flossing daily and brushing twice a day with a soft brush avoids an infection called peri-implantitis. Resembling gum disease with its inflammation, infection, and bone loss, peri-implantitis can make implant removal necessary.
Additionally, implant patients should visit Dr. Kennington as usual for semi-annual hygienic cleanings and oral check-ups. Smokers are advised to start a smoking cessation program as tobacco use may undermine the health of the implant site and retention of the prosthesis.
Consult the Experts
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington is a founding member of Advanced Dental Implant Studies (ADIS). He is also an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. As such, you can trust his experience and knowledge for an exceptional outcome.
Dental implants give patients smiles that look, feel, and function naturally. Would you like to fill smile gaps and have a healthy, durable set of teeth? Why not contact Cowlitz River Dental for an expert consultation?