Missing teeth can be a hassle anytime of year, but they can be especially inconvenient during the holidays. Not being able to enjoy your favorite festive treats and being embarrassed to smile and make small talk can ruin a seasonal get-together. So why not give yourself the gift of secure and durable dental implants this year?
More than 3 million Americans have decided to fill in their smile gaps using dental implants, and the popularity of this teeth replacement solution continues to grow. That’s because no other option comes as close to brand new teeth!
And Edgewood Dental Care makes it easy and comfortable to find a dental implant solution, whether you’re missing just one tooth or an entire set. You’ll feel great in the care of our talented dentists, including Dr. McMahon, who has earned Diplomate status in the International Dental Implant Association!
Read on to learn more about dental implants. Then, if you’re ready to experience the improved quality of life so many people have enjoyed because of dental implants, give our Edgewood, KY office a call at 859-474-7830!

What Are Dental Implants?

When you lose a tooth, you’re technically losing two things. The first is the crown of the tooth, which is the part that’s visible above the gum line. The second is the root of the tooth, which is the structure that secures the tooth to the jaw bone.
So, it stands to reason that the best way to replace a missing tooth is to replace both the crown and the root, right?
Well, that’s why dental implants were so game-changing when they were introduced in the 1950s! Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium or other biocompatible metal.
Dental implants are then topped (or “restored”) with a prosthetic that replaces the visible portion of your missing tooth or teeth. Oftentimes, the dental implant is restored with a dental crown, or single-tooth prosthetic, for an artificial tooth that’s incredibly lifelike because it mimics the natural structure of a single tooth.
But dental implants can also be restored with dental bridges if you’re missing a series of neighboring teeth.

How Are Dental Implants Placed?

The first order of business when you come to Edgewood Dental Care for dental implants is to make sure they’re the best solution for your needs. Generally, anyone who is healthy enough to undergo a routine tooth extraction is healthy enough for dental implant placement, but we’ll review your medical and dental records for good measure.
We’ll also assess the health and density of your jaw bone to make sure that it’s strong enough to support the artificial tooth root. We do this with the help of digital X-rays and our state-of-the-art cone beam CT technology.
Then, we’ll have you come in for the dental implant placement procedure. We’ll numb the area to ensure your comfort, and then we’ll gently insert the dental implants into the gums. We’ll allow the area to heal. During that time, the dental implant will actually fuse to your jawbone, just as a real tooth root would.
Lastly, we’ll have you come in again to restore the dental implant. We can do this with a dental crown, a dental bridge, or even a set of dentures. Whatever your case may be, your restoration will be custom-made and blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth.

Are Dental Implants Painful?

With the help of anesthesia, the dental implant placement procedure should be fairly comfortable. In fact, many people say it’s less painful than a tooth extraction.
But if you’re wanting to further minimize pain and stress, we offer three forms of dental sedation:

  • Nitrous oxide. This form of dental sedation is often referred to as “laughing gas.” It’s fast-acting and produces a sense of calm and mild euphoria. All you’ll have to do is take a few deep breaths from a mask we place over your nose, and you’ll begin to feel its effects.
  • Oral sedation. We can prescribe you a pill that you take a certain amount of time before your procedure. It might make you a bit drowsy, but ultimately it will help you relax before your dental work.
  • IV sedation. This is the deepest form of sedation that we offer. It’s administered directly into the bloodstream, so it’s fast-acting and makes it easy for us to monitor your vital signs and level of sedation. IV sedation allows you to experience your dental work in a dream-like state.

Give Yourself The Gift Of Secure And Durable Dental Implants

Amid to hustle and bustle of the holiday season, don’t forget to take a little time to do something nice for yourself. If you’ve been burdened by missing teeth, why not schedule a dental implant consultation at Edgewood Dental Care?
We’ll help you find your ideal dental implant solution so you can fill in your smile gaps and renew your sense of confidence.
Call us today at 859-474-7830, or use our convenient online form to request an appointment.