Dental Implants & Restorative Dentistry
At Cool Springs Family Dentistry, Dr. Kathryn Spencer and Dr. Elizabeth Hill provide the latest in restoring dental implants and restorative dentistry technology. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that serve as anchors for replacement teeth. When a patient is missing one or more teeth, dental implants are the most permanent (and often the most comfortable) solution. Read on to learn more, but don't forget to visit our smile gallery to view some before-and-after photos of dental implants results.
Steps for Dental Implants
The first step in the dental implant process for our patients is a consultation with Dr. Spencer or Dr. Hill, during which, all possible tooth replacement options will be discussed. To be a good candidate for dental implants, the dental patient must have sufficient bone in his or her jaw to support the implants. Once it is determined that the patient is a good candidate for dental implants, Dr. Spencer or Dr. Hill will refer you to a specialist to surgically implant the titanium screws that will serve as anchors into the jaw. The next step in the dental implants process will occur usually three to six months later, after the titanium tooth roots have integrated into the jaw bone. Once this has occurred, the patient can return to our office where the doctor will fit the custom-crafted crown onto the implant.
Dental Implants Preferred Over Dentures
Many patients prefer permanent dental implants over traditional removable dentures for several reasons: Dental implants are nearly indistinguishable from a patient's natural teeth, unlike dentures which look artificial. While traditional dentures need to be removed nightly for cleaning, dental implants are a permanent tooth loss solution that require no additional maintenance outside of a good oral hygiene routine. Dental implants also allow patients to feel more comfortable while speaking and eating because they are permanently fixed to the patient's jaw and won't shift or slip as with traditional dentures.
Get Started Today
If you are interested in learning more about your tooth replacement options, contact our office at (615) 942-7811 to schedule your restorative dentistry consultation with Dr. Spencer or Dr. Hill today.