A dental implant is a small titanium screw that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. Dental implants can be placed in either the upper or lower jaws. Due to the biocompatible properties of titanium, a dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a good anchor for the replacement tooth. 

Given the versatility of this treatment, dental implants can be used in solutions for replacing single or multiple missing teeth, ranging from accidental tooth loss (avulsion) to tooth loss caused by gum disease. During your visit to Appleton Prosthodontics, our dental specialist will conduct a thorough examination of your smile to determine if dental implants are right for your smile. 

For patients missing one or more teeth, dental implants are among the most effective tooth replacement options available. However, there are certain requirements patients must meet in order to enjoy long-term success. Keep reading to learn more about becoming a candidate for dental implants then schedule your consultation with Baton Rouge prosthodontist Dr. Richard Appleton today. 

Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The determining factor is the amount of available bone. As a trained prosthodontist, Dr. Appleton is the best person to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.

Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you’re healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you’re probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate dental implant treatment. Your dentist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history.

• Improved appearance: When you lose the entire tooth - crown and root - shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or dental bridge doesn’t.
• Preserve natural teeth: With traditional dental bridges, teeth adjacent to missing teeth are normally ground down to be used as anchors for a dental bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.
• Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is needed after placement. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.

Dental implant-supported replacement teeth look, feel and function like natural teeth. This means that you can eat and drink whatever you choose. But most importantly, dental implants often greatly improve a patient's quality of life permanently. People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often overwhelmed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem.

When dental implants are used in combination with modern restorative dentistry, their appearance, comfort, and function are very likely to exceed your expectations. Given the high-quality materials used to craft patient's crowns or bridges, it is often nearly impossible to tell dental implants from your natural teeth.

Yes. Following a brief adaptation period, chewing capacity is comparable to that of natural teeth. 

Today, state-of-the-art surgical techniques are convenient alternatives to place dental implants and allow you to have the dental implant placed in a single session. The conventional process can take from three to six months of healing. First, Dr. Appleton places the dental implant, which is left for three to six months to heal and integrate with the jawbone. During the healing period, you are given a temporary prosthesis until the permanent crown is put in place. The procedure chosen depends on several factors, such as your dental health, the number of teeth involved and which teeth are replaced. These factors will also determine the total number of visits throughout the treatment period.

With any surgery, there can be some discomfort. Placing one implant normally causes less discomfort then placing several. Anesthesia and patient sedation are commonly administered to help reduce any discomfort during the dental implant process. Most patients report that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they had anticipated. Your doctor will prescribe medications to ease any discomfort that may occur.

It is normal to have some bruising and swelling in the gum and soft tissues. But usually the discomfort, if any, is treated with an ordinary painkiller. You should expect to be able to work the next day.

Your new teeth must be cared for and checked regularly, just like your natural teeth. Brush and floss as recommended by your dental hygienist. Whether you've spent years with a removable denture or recently lost a tooth, dental implants the best way to regain function and confidence in your smile. If you're considering dental implants, call Appleton Prosthodontics to schedule an appointment with our Baton Rouge implant dentist. We look forward to helping you smile!