Dental implants have become among the most popular choices for restoring missing teeth. People opt for dental implants for various reasons, all of which contribute to an improved quality of life.
Dental implants look like natural teeth, offering a seamless blend with your smile. Unlike dentures, which can sometimes slip or feel uncomfortable, implants remain securely in place, providing a stable foundation that helps you speak, eat, and smile confidently. Implants are custom-designed to match the shape, size, and color of your existing teeth, ensuring a natural appearance that complements your overall smile.
Dental implants are known for their longevity. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime, unlike bridges or dentures, which may need to be replaced periodically. The titanium post used in implants fuses with the jawbone, creating a strong, stable base that ensures the implant remains firmly in place for many years.
Implants restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile without worry. They provide a solid foundation for replacement teeth, eliminating concerns about discomfort or slippage, common with dentures. Once placed, implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and speak clearly without hesitation.
Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that can occur after losing a tooth. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone begins to deteriorate over time. Implants help preserve bone density by mimicking the natural tooth root. This process maintains oral health and facial structure, preventing the sunken appearance of missing teeth.
At Kelley Family Dentistry, we take a comprehensive approach to placing dental implants. Here’s what you can expect during the implant process:
Dr. Abigail Kelley will assess your oral health with advanced tools like X-rays. She will discuss your goals and determine if dental implants are right for you, creating a personalized treatment plan. We perform guided implant surgery
Dr. Kelley will insert a small titanium post into your jawbone, which will act as the root for your new tooth. Local anesthesia ensures comfort, and the procedure is quick with minimal discomfort.
The titanium post will fuse with your jawbone, which takes a few months. This bond creates a strong base for your future tooth restoration.
Once healing is complete, Dr. Kelley will attach an abutment to the implant. The abutment connects the implant and your final restoration, such as a crown or bridge.
Dr. Kelley will place a custom-made restoration on the abutment. This final step provides a fully functional and natural-looking tooth that blends seamlessly with your smile.
Following your dental implant procedure, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure your implants’ successful healing and longevity. We will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your implants after the procedure. Here are some general guidelines for a smooth recovery:
Rest and Recovery: Take it easy for the first few days after implant surgery. Avoid strenuous physical activity to give your body time to heal and focus on recovery.
Manage Swelling: After the procedure, you may experience some swelling or discomfort. Applying ice packs to the area can help reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.
Dietary Adjustments: Stick to soft foods for the first few days after surgery to avoid putting pressure on the implant site. Avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods that may irritate the area.
Maintain Oral Hygiene: Keep your mouth clean by gently brushing your teeth. Avoid brushing the implant site until it has fully healed. Follow any additional instructions Dr. Kelley provides for maintaining oral hygiene around the implant.
Follow-up Appointments: Attend any follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure your implant is healing properly. Dr. Kelley will check the implant site and make necessary adjustments to ensure everything progresses smoothly.
Dental implants are a life-changing option for restoring your smile and improving oral health. If you want to learn more about dental implants in Willoughby Hills, Ohio, schedule a consultation with Dr. Abigail Kelley at Kelley Family Dentistry. Our team is ready to help you reclaim your smile and restore your confidence with dental implants.
We are excited to help you achieve a stellar and confident smile!
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