Performed By Our Florissant, MO Dentist
At the practice of Dr. Paul S. Herrin, we understand the importance of having a beautiful smile whether it’s for aesthetic or health purposes. Tooth loss can have a significant effect on your self esteem and interfere with daily oral functions such as eating and speaking. If you are missing or have broken teeth, dental implants may be the perfect solution for a more confident smile. Our certified cosmetic dentist in Florissant, MO specializes in restorative dental procedures to provide you with a high quality and affordable dental implant treatment.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent solution to replace missing teeth due to accidents or oral disease. These implants are made of titanium rods that are inserted into the upper or lower jawbone to create a foundation for a new and lasting smile. They are better than other alternatives like bridges because no additional teeth need to be moved to place the new tooth.
More and more people are choosing dental implants to improve their smile since:
- The implants look and feel more natural than bridges or dentures
- They offer a good value because they can last a lifetime
- The implants are secured into the jaw, so it offers firmer support and won’t slip in your mouth
- It helps keep the jawbone from shrinking due to missing teeth
Dental Implants Procedure
During your consultation with Dr. Herrin, he will take a few x-rays to locate where the implant needs to be placed. The he will make a small incision in the gums to place the screw into the jaw bone. It is normal to feel some tenderness after the surgery, so we recommend that you eat softer foods.
It will take around 3 to 6 months for your gums to heal and for the screw to completely integrate into the jaw bone (this process is called osseointegration). During this healing time, our dentist will make an impression of your mouth and create a custom made tooth that is designed to look just like your other teeth. You may be given a temporary crown in the meantime to maintain the appearance and functionality of your teeth.
Once the replacement tooth or teeth are ready, it will be attached to the implant posts to create a natural and beautiful smile. We suggest you schedule regular appointments, so that our dentist can evaluate the long-term success of your implant and help you keep your implant healthy.
Schedule An Appointment With Dr. Herrin
Dr. Herrin has achieved amazing results with his dental implant procedure and will determine if this treatment is right for you. If you would like to know more information, please give us a call at (314) 921-0070 to schedule an appointment. With proper care, dental implants can provide a lifetime of healthy smiles!