Dental Implants in Loudon, Tennessee

Restorative Dentistry

Over time, our teeth encounter a lot of wear and tear. Between cavities, chipped, broken or missing teeth we don’t just tend to lose function but we also can experience uncomfortable changes in appearance. Improving our smile can only add to our confidence. Restorative dentistry handles a variety of procedures in cosmetic dentistry that help improve your dental health and smile including:

• Dentures or Partials
• Crowns, Bridges
• Dental Implants
• Root Canal
• Metal Free Fillings

The most popular aspect of restorative dentistry that has brought breakthrough and a great smile to many patients is that of the dental implant procedure. At Michael E. Bowman, D.D.S., we specialize in performing dental implant services in Loudon, TN to help our patients achieve oral health and wellness and to boost their overall confidence, knowing they have strong working teeth again.

Dental Implants

Dental Implants provide a tremendous alternative to missing, broken or damaged natural teeth resulting from decay, gingivitis, gum disease or injury. Due to continued improvements in dental technology, this wonderful solution is available to many patients and can easily replace bridges and dentures. Dental implants are considered an oral surgery but are a long-term and comfortable solution to any oral health issues that may arise in your future. Implant dentistry in Loudon, TN can easily be found at Dr. Michael Bowman and Dr. Jason Bowman’s office along with a professional staff that truly knows everything about this advanced area of dentistry.

How Do Dental Implants Function?

Dental implants can replace the root inside your bone socket, bonding to your jawbone region much like the original root. The actual implant is a tiny titanium post fitted inside the bone socket of the missing tooth. The fusing process allows the implant to connect directly into your jawbone creating a result similar to that of a natural tooth. Your dentist will use this method in order to replace the root and create an environment for the tooth and the root to connect as they would naturally.

Why Do I Need Dental Implants?

If you are missing teeth, dental implants are important to your oral health. When you suffer from a missing tooth, bone loss also develops, and if the tooth isn’t replaced, the bone will slowly deteriorate. Bone deterioration can change the foundation of your jaw disturbing facial structure. Replacing the missing tooth with a dental implant keeps the bone in place, keeping your jawbone environment healthy.

Missing a tooth can also have a negative effect on the other teeth in the surrounding areas. Not replacing the missing tooth could lead to overall bite issues. Having strong teeth in place is key to being able to eat properly, speak properly and live comfortably.

Additional Key Benefits of Dental Implants:

• Self Confidence

Wearing dental implants is like having your old teeth back, as they are permanent, and you don’t have to worry about taking them out. You can feel confident knowing your teeth are solid and stable. Your smile is complete and doesn’t appear phony. You also can speak normally, unlike with poor fitting dentures that can cause the slurring of words and other uncomfortable issues.

• Health Advantages

With properly functioning teeth, you can chew all your favorite foods and eat comfortably without worrying about your teeth moving around like you would with dentures. Having new teeth in place helps you to maintain nutrition and also keeps the jawbone area and gums healthy and stable.

• Long Lasting Results

Dental implants have a high success rate. Implants last many years especially if they are well cared for; they should remain strong and stable operating like regular teeth. They may even last over a lifetime depending on your overall health and condition.

The Steps of a Dental Implant Procedure

1. As part of the preparation, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth, matching the shape and color to create the new tooth. The new tooth is called a crown.

2. The tiny titanium post is placed inside the bone socket of the missing tooth so it can bond with the jawbone area.

3. Once the root is fused and ready, a tiny part called an abutment is placed on top of the implant post as the connector between the crown and the implant.

4. The crown is then attached and put into place, and you have a new tooth.

The implant that takes root will make the crown feel like a natural tooth, allowing you to chew, speak, and operate the way you would with natural teeth.

How Long is the Procedure?

Traditional dental implants are an ongoing procedure that takes place over a time period and are not something that is accomplished in one day. The adherence to the implant and the bone takes some appropriate time in order for the bone to fuse properly. This process is called osseointegration. Stability must be established to attach the crown later. In most cases, it will take a few months to complete the entire procedure. In between visits, you can go on with your normal life without interruptions.

Are Dental Implants Painful?

Most patients report very little pain and discomfort from the process. Over the counter pain medication like Tylenol is prescribed for mild discomfort. During the procedure, a local anesthetic can be applied for comfort purposes as well. You can go right back to work and resume normal activities in between visits with no life disruptions.

Are Dental Implants for Me?

As long as you are in good health you should be able to withstand a dental implant procedure. There are special health conditions that may need to be evaluated before you qualify for dental implants. Dental implants do take some time and patience; it is important you cover all your options with your dentist before you make a decision. Unfortunately, most medical or dental insurance do not cover dental implants at this time, but it is always best to inquire with your healthcare plan to be sure.

If you have suffered bone loss from a missing tooth, the dentist can potentially use a system called grafting to develop bone in that area.  Bone grafts help rebuild your foundation in order to support an implant. However, it is always best to obtain a dental implant after you lose a tooth as quickly as possible.

How to Begin

As your top dentist specializing in dental implants in Loudon, TN, the best way to get started on finding out if implants are right for you is to discuss with us your dental implant procedure desired results and we can share your particular options. We will create a specific treatment plan just for you and your oral health needs. Call us to set up a consultation with one of our dentists on staff so we can discuss the future of your teeth today!