Natural Looking Dental Implant
Dental implants are a great way to replace a missing tooth and restore your smile! Technological advances in cosmetic dentistry has enabled dentists to provide their patients with natural looking restorations to keep them smiling for years. There are a number of other restorative options to replace one or more missing teeth but implants tend to be more aesthetically pleasing and natural looking and are also a healthier choice in comparison to other options. Dental bridges and dentures can restore your smile but do not provide the stability and bone support that implants do.
Implants can be used to replace one tooth or a number of teeth including an entire arch or both arches of the mouth. Implants are a more invasive procedure and do take significantly longer than other options but the longevity of the implant usually makes it worthwhile for most patients.
What is a dental implant and what is involved?
An oral surgeon or a periodontist is the dental professional who will place your dental implant. An implant has three parts: the implant, abutment, and crown. The actual implant is a titanium post which is surgically placed directly into the jawbone with a small post protruding from the gums. The implant is covered with a temporary abutment, or healing cap, and is left to heal and integrate with the bone structure for about six months. After the implant is fully integrated, your dentist will remove the healing cap and place your permanent restoration.
If you need more than one tooth replaced, two or more implants may be used to support a partial or full denture. Dental implants help support bone structure by stimulating regeneration of bone mass whereas traditional bridges and dentures can actually lead to bone deterioration.
Cosmetic Benefits of Dental Implants
Modern technology and materials provide incredible results for patients! Dental implants are much more natural looking than a bridge or denture and have the ability to last a lifetime whereas other restorations will need to be replaced every 10 years or so. Implants are also much more secure for patients while eating and speaking and are very easy to care for. Dental implants should be treated like the rest of your teeth and floss and brushed daily. The crown on your implant may need to be replaced every once in a while but the implant itself will last much longer.
Dental implants give patients the confidence and security of natural teeth but not everyone is a candidate for implant surgery. If you are missing one of my teeth, discuss your options with your dentist. They will help determine if you can endure implant surgery and if a dental implant is the best restorative treatment for you.