Gaps don't have to become a permanent feature of your smile. Dental implants restore lost teeth and improve your appearance. Our Louisville, KY, dentist, Dr. Kenneth Hofmann, explains how the dental implant process works.

What are the steps in the implant process?

Receiving a dental implant requires a three-step process. During the first appointment, a small opening will be made in your jawbone after you receive an anesthetic. After the implant is placed in the opening, it's covered with gum tissue. When your implant has bonded to your jawbone, a process that may take three to six months, you'll receive an abutment, which will connect a dental crown to the implant. An impression of your mouth that will be used to create the crown will also be obtained.

During the third step in the process, you'll visit our Louisville office to receive your dental crown. The implant process may be extended by several months if you need bone grafts due to a shallow jawbone.

Are you a good candidate?

Dental implants may be a good choice for you if:

• You're in good health. Some diseases, such as immune system conditions or diabetes, may affect healing, which can compromise the success of implants.
• You have a deep jawbone. If your jawbone is too shallow, it won't be able to support dental implants. Luckily, the problem can often be corrected by adding bone grafts to your jawbone before the implant process begins.
• You don't smoke. Smoking can also affect healing and may increase the likelihood that you'll experience an infection that can loosen your dental implant.
• You have a good oral hygiene routine. Even though your new tooth may be artificial, it's still important to keep it clean by brushing and flossing it daily. Failure to brush and floss around the implant may increase the chance of an infection.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

Dental implants offer several important benefits. They feel more like real teeth, don't slip, keep your jawbone strong and prevent your other teeth from shifting by closing the gap in your smile.

Are you ready to get rid of the gaps in your smile? Call Louisville, KY, dentist, Dr. Hofmann, at (502) 895-7715 to schedule an appointment.