Knoxville Implant Dentist at Knoxville Dentist
Dental Implants Restore Missing Teeth and Oral Health
Virtually all oral health care providers consider dental implants to be the premier method of tooth replacement. These small metal screws (sometimes referred to as posts) are inserted directly into your jawbone. When your bone and gums have healed, they can support a lifelike restoration. Dr. Stephen K. Malone does the majority of implant placements for his patients who choose dental implants. There are special circumstances when he refers a patient to an oral surgeon for the implant placement part of the dental implant process. Most patients are good candidates for dental implants. Most do not require bone grafts first, and if they do, bone grafts are an everyday, easy procedure performed by a specialist. After an implant has been placed in the jawbone, there is a period of osseointegration during which time the bone grows snugly around the screw, anchoring it in place. After this period, Dr. Malone will attach an abutment on the screw and a custom-crafted prosthetic tooth or multi-tooth prosthesis. Contact our office today to learn more about dental implants and find out if they are right for you.
Dental Implants Placement
Dental implants are tiny titanium screws. Dr. Malone will use x-rays and other images to obtain a detailed view of your jawbone and determine the optimal placement for the implants. He will numb your gums and jawbone with local anesthesia, so you should experience minimal discomfort throughout the process. He will close the gum tissue over the implant for the period of healing during which osseointegration will occur. After the surgery, pain is minor and easily managed with over-the-counter pain reliever. It will take about four months for osseointegration to occur and he will monitor your healing.
Dental Implants Restoration
After the period of osseointegration, Dr. Malone will open the gum tissue to uncover the implant, and he will affix abutment pieces to the exposed heads of the implant posts. Your gum tissue will allowed to heal around the base of the abutment before he attaches your custom-created restoration. If you are only missing one tooth, you may receive a single implant-supported crown. If you are missing several teeth, you might choose an implant-supported bridge or even a full denture. No matter which one you select, you will receive a restoration that blends seamlessly with your smile and maintains the natural balance of your bite. Our ceramist trained at the esteemed Pankey Institute, and he proudly uses the latest restorative materials.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
Although bridges and dentures can replace missing teeth and restore your oral function, advanced dental implants are the most lifelike restorations available. Because the implant posts will be affixed in your jawbone, the restorations will sit directly against your gum tissue, just like natural teeth. Additionally, they will never slip out of place. You can continue to eat all of your favorite foods, and you will care for your restorations just like you would care for your natural teeth. Finally, dental implants can protect your jawbone health. When you are missing teeth, your dental roots can no longer give off the signals that stimulate jawbone regeneration. The implant posts will replace your roots. Therefore, they can prevent bone recession, further tooth loss, and a changed facial structure.
Due to the wear and tear that can occur on removable bridges and dentures and the risk of damaging natural teeth that are touched by these prostheses, dental implant treatment may actually cost you less over the years. Implant restorations are stable, strong, and secure. They are likely to last decades before requiring restoration. Most of all, patients who choose dental implants are happy with the quality of life benefits they receive… better nutrition, comfort and ease, elimination of adhesives and slippage, totally natural appearance, and social confidence to eat, speak, laugh and smile.
Book a Consultation for Dental Implants
If you are considering your tooth replacement options, you deserve the most outstanding care available. Contact our office today to find out if dental implants are right for you. In partnership with local oral surgeons, Dr. Malone provides dental implants to patients from Powell, Karns, Farragut, Seymour, Maryville, Oak Ridge and the surrounding communities.