If you’ve recently lost one or more of your teeth, you’re ready to reach out to a prosthodontist. This field of study focuses on the replacement of natural teeth with durable, lifelike prosthetics, and over the last two decades, dental implant technology has certainly taken over. Sometimes, in order to place a dental implant in a way that works, it takes some preparation. That’s because it’s important to have enough healthy, sturdy bone tissue to hold the implant post.
Here at our office in Prairie Village, KS, Dr. Stuart Dexter, DDS works with Kansas Citians to help them find a way past adult tooth loss. We understand that your smile is a huge part of who you are, and when you are missing a piece of it, it can affect you each and every day. Dental implant placement offers a strong solution after tooth loss through a remarkable biomechanical process known as osseointegration. So, if you’re ready to explore this innovative approach to oral healthcare, see how we do it.
Thinking about dental implants? See about your steps with Dr. Stuart Dexter, D.D.S.
How Do Dental Implants Work, Anyway?
In order to understand the need for some preparation before the placement of a dental implant, it’s important to understand how they work. These are small, threaded titanium posts, and they can offer some real smile support if done well. A dentist or oral surgeon places the implant post within bone tissue, and through a remarkable process known as osseointegration, the bone grows snugly into the threads.
But if there is not enough healthy, strong bone tissue, a dental implant can fail. Just like with a house, you need a sturdy foundation; without it, it’s like building your place on sand. So, before a prosthodontist places a dental implant, they want to know it will be successful.
Ensuring There Is Enough Healthy Tissue To Work With
Sometimes, patients simply do not have the amount of bone tissue that they need to hold a dental implant. But we want them to still find the care that they need, so it might be time to talk about ridge augmentation. This is the shaping of the oral ridge, and there are two effective ways of doing this.
For patients needing bone tissue in an upper quadrant, a sinus lift can expose more bone tissue. Bone grafts can also add material. Meet with our team to discuss your next steps.
Discover Dental Implants With Dr. Dexter
If you’re ready to renew your smile after adult tooth loss, see whether dental implants are right for you. To find out more about this innovative approach to oral health, call Dr. Stuart Dexter, D.D.S. in Prairie Village, KS at (913) 362-8200 today.
