Dental Implants replace missing teeth by replacing the root of a tooth. This gives your replacement teeth the look, feel and function of natural teeth.
A variety of specialists work together to plan and perform dental implant surgery. They include an oral surgeon, a maxillofacial surgeon and a prosthodontist.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental Implants are the most reliable and permanent teeth replacement option available. They are made of a bio-compatible titanium that integrates with the jaw bone, making them stronger and more durable than other options such as bridges and dentures.
They offer a lifelong solution to missing teeth and provide a natural, healthy look. They are also the most affordable option and can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple missing teeth or an entire arch of missing teeth.
The most common type of dental implant is called an endosteal implant. They are placed in the jawbone beneath the gum line and a metal post (the same one a tooth’s root has) is attached to it.
If you don’t have enough bone to support an endosteal implant, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure called a bone graft. This can take several months before new bone can be grown to support the implant. Bone grafting can help rebuild your jawbone, increasing the likelihood that the implant will be successful.
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
A dental implant is a titanium post that acts like a tooth root and is fused to your jaw bone. After it’s inserted, your dentist will then screw in the replacement tooth to make it look and function like a real tooth.
Depending on the condition of your jawbone, this process may take multiple appointments. This is because it can take months to heal and allow the implant to become firmly embedded into your jawbone.
This process is called osseointegration. Once the abutment is placed, your gums will begin to grow around it and form a healthy seal.
During this time, you should not chew on anything that can get lodged in your gums or bite down on your implant since it will cause the implant to break. This is why your dentist will usually place a healing cap over the implant during a second minor procedure to prevent your gums from growing over it.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth. They are designed to be strong and durable, and they can last a lifetime with proper care.
They look and feel like real teeth, so you can smile with confidence again. They also function like natural teeth, which means you can eat the foods you love and speak clearly again.
Implants preserve healthy bone and protect your natural teeth by preventing them from shifting as they would if an empty space were left. This is a significant benefit, as removing a tooth or teeth can lead to deterioration in the jawbone that can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease.
If you are missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, talk to us about whether dental implants might be the right solution for you. We have several options to meet your needs and budget.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
If you have missing teeth, or are unhappy with your current dentures and bridges, we may be able to provide a solution through dental implants. They restore chewing ability and help preserve your natural facial contours, which can improve your appearance and self-esteem.
During your initial visit, we will examine your mouth and take scans and X-rays to assess the health of your jawbone and determine whether you are an ideal candidate for implant treatment. Our team will also review your medical history to make sure there are no other conditions that could impede the success of your surgery.
If we find that your jawbone is too soft or thin to support an implant, we may need to do a bone graft. This is done using your own bone, synthetic bone or donor bone to stimulate new bone growth and increase the density of the area around the implant. This can take several months to complete, but it will allow your implant to hold securely in place.