Dental implants are an effective restorative dental treatment for patients with one or more missing teeth. They may be used for single lost teeth or can attach a dental bridge or full denture. With implants, patients can enjoy their new smiles without dietary restrictions. Implants create a fuller, more functional bite. Dr. Pamela Cain provides treatment with dental implants to her patients in Knoxville, TN. She works with his patients individually at East Tennessee Periodontics to find the right dental solutions to address lost and missing permanent teeth.
Dental Implant Q&A
Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about dental implants below:
What are dental implants made of?
Dental implants are titanium posts that are capped off with a dental crown connected to an abutment. To begin the implant treatment process, a surgeon places the titanium post into the jawbone. During a healing period called osseointegration, the post fuses with the bone tissue to create a foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.
Can you receive implants after a tooth extraction?
Sometimes we can extract a tooth and replace it with a dental implant on the same day. However, this is not the case for all of our patients. We need to ensure that patients have enough jaw bone tissue to support their implants. Alternatively, it is important to remember that the dental implant procedure can become more difficult if patients wait too long for their restoration. If you cannot receive a same-day restoration, we can help you schedule your implant restoration after your extraction treatment.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants can prevent common problems caused by missing teeth. One or more missing teeth can lead to a misaligned bite. The remaining natural teeth can shift and cause overcrowding, which leads to problems including tooth decay and gum disease. With dental implants, our patients improve the aesthetics and function of their smiles. We customize implant treatment to fit the needs of each patient. The crown, bridge, or denture that we use to restore the teeth blends in with the look and feel of a natural smile. Patients can comfortably bite, speak, and care for their teeth and gums with implant-secured restorations.
Is dental implant treatment painful?
No, the dental implant process is not painful for our patients. During the dental implant procedure, we use local anesthesia to numb the treated area as well as sedation. Anesthesia and sedation are used together to ensure that patients do not feel pain during treatment. Additionally, we will prescribe pain medication during the healing process to minimize patients’ pain.
Can dental implants fail?
Yes, if patients use tobacco products during the healing process, their implants can fail. This is because nicotine contained in tobacco products slows the healing process. They limit blood flow to the tissues that surround the implant. Please refrain from using tobacco products during implant treatment to ensure the best healing possible.
Contact Our Dental Office
Are you interested in learning more about dental implants? Schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Cain online. If you are a new patient, call 865.276.7173. Current patients may call 865.246.0460.
