Perhaps the most important teeth in your smile are those at the very front, since they’re what most people will first notice. While dental implants might be the best tooth replacements out there, you might wonder if they work just as well at the front of your grin. Fortunately, they do! Keep reading to learn how this treatment process works and what makes someone a good candidate for this option.
How Do You Get a Front Tooth Dental Implant?
If your front tooth hasn’t been lost or removed yet, the first step is to carefully extract it. Following this procedure, you’ll need to take several months to fully recover. This healing period allows the bone to strengthen and fill in properly, creating a stable foundation for a dental implant.
Once you’ve recovery is finished, your dentist will gently place a small, screw-shaped implant into the jawbone. Over the next few months, the implant should gradually bond with the surrounding bone via “osseointegration.” If the bone isn’t sufficiently fused to the jawbone, it can increase the risk of implant complications. While your implant is healing, it will be protected with a temporary cap to keep it secure.
After around three to six months, the implant should be fully integrated with the jawbone and ready to support your new restoration. Your dentist will then attach a metal connector (abutment) to the implant, which will act as the anchor for your replacement tooth, ensuring it fits securely and functions just like a natural tooth.
Who Is Eligible for a Front Tooth Dental Implant?
There are several reasons a dental implant might be necessary for your front teeth, such as:
- A missing front tooth
- A loose or unstable tooth
- A front tooth that is badly cracked or fractured
- An infection affecting the front tooth
Adults who are healthy are typically eligible for dental implants. A few key qualities that make someone an ideal candidate include:
- Strong Oral Health: Conditions like cavities or gum disease can compromise implant success. Any existing dental issues will need to be treated before moving forward.
- Good Overall Health: Since placing an implant involves a minor surgical procedure, you should be healthy enough to safely undergo the treatment.
- Sufficient Jawbone Strength: Your jawbone needs enough density to securely hold the implant for long-term stability.
Even if you have some existing dental concerns, you could still be eligible for implants. Many patients complete preparatory treatments, such as gum disease therapy or bone grafts, to ensure a successful and lasting result. Speak with your dentist about your oral health and goals, and you’ll be one step closer to achieving a full smile again.
About the Practice
At Alpharetta Modern Dentistry, our team can provide long-lasting and comprehensive dental implants, and we can complete the treatment from start to finish. Our dentists also utilize surgical guides to offer optimal precision, allowing you to expect greater reliability in the results. Interested in learning more about restoring your bite with dental implants? Click here or give us a call today at 470-683-6271.