Losing a tooth can often be a distressing experience. Whether you have had an accident or injury, or you’ve lost your tooth due to natural causes, having a missing tooth can have an impact on your dental health along with other areas of your life such as your self-esteem.
If you are someone who has recently lost a tooth and you are unsure as to what to do, book an initial consultation at your local dental practice and ask about Sheen Dental Implants Richmond which could be a step towards finding a dental solution for your missing tooth. You can also enquire about other treatment details like preparation, precautions, side effects, special considerations, etc. related to dental implants.
How a dentist can help you
When you explore a dental practice, either online (for instance, check out websites similar to https://serphomeliving.com/dental/best/texas/farmers-branch/) or visit a local clinic in your neighborhood, your first appointment could be a free or discounted consultation with one of the experienced dentists. The purpose of the consultation is for the dentist to determine the most suitable dental treatment for you. The consultation will involve you completing both a medical and dental history questionnaire. This is important as it will let the dentist know whether you have had any previous dental treatments or if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which could impact your dental health.
The dentist will then conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, mouth and gums and will also take X-rays, digital photographs and if necessary, impressions of your teeth in order for the dental team to know the current state of your oral health and determine the most suitable dental treatment for your dental condition.
This consultation also gives you the chance to ask as many questions as you wish to, along with expressing any concerns you currently have about your teeth and your dental goals.
If your main concern is replacing a tooth or teeth that you have lost due to either an accident, injury or natural causes, a suitable dental treatment option for you may be dental implants.
Replacing a missing tooth
Dental implants provide a long lasting and effective dental treatment which will help you achieve a full and healthy smile again. Dental implants consist of a metal screw, usually made of titanium, topped with a dental crown using an abutment and the treatment is usually carried out over two appointments.
For the first part of this procedure, a small incision is made in the jawbone where the tooth is missing. This is done under a local anaesthetic. The metal screw is then surgically placed into the jawbone and you will be invited back to the practice after four to eight months for the second part of the procedure. The time in between the two appointments is needed in order for the bone surrounding the dental implant to fuse with it, which allows the implant to be firmly in place.
Once this process is complete, at your second appointment the dentist will then place a crown which has been made to look like your natural teeth on the implant. As well as having an implant for a single tooth, implants can be offered to replace multiple lost teeth or for those who have lost all their teeth.