Dental Implants Provide a Wealth of Benefits

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants provide the most stable and long-lasting solution to tooth loss available. Made from biocompatible, dental-grade titanium, dental implants are designed to replace and mimic missing tooth roots. After surgery, a healing period known as osseointegration will take place over a four- to six-month span. During this time, the implants will integrate with the existing bone and provide a solid foundation for your restoration. 

Dental implants provide the most stable and long-lasting solution to tooth loss available.

Once the implants have successfully fused with your jawbone, we can place a number of different implant-supported restorations, such as a dental crown, bridge, or denture. The type of restoration placed will depend on the number of teeth missing. 

Living with Missing Teeth

Tooth roots play a vital role in your oral health. As you bite and chew, the gums and jawbone are stimulated, providing strength and stability for your teeth. After tooth loss, the bone will begin to atrophy and the gums will recess. Even just one missing tooth can lead to difficulties such as shifting teeth, jawbone degeneration, and the eventual loss of additional teeth. Patients who are missing all of their teeth can also develop a sunken appearance known as facial collapse, which happens when the jawbone tissue is reabsorbed by the body.

Jawbone degeneration can even prevent you from qualifying for dental implant surgery. However, in many cases, we can provide bone grafts and sinus lifts for patients who lack sufficient jawbone density. These procedures build up the bone to help provide a sturdy base for the implants. Although a preparatory procedure will produce a lengthier recovery, it will ensure a successful outcome for your dental implants.

Dental Implant Treatment

To begin, your doctor will discuss the implant-supported restorations available and design a treatment plan to replace your missing tooth or teeth. He will review the costs and procedures required, and make sure that you fully understand what will be involved. Once you have undergone surgery and the healing phase, known as osseointegration, is complete, your dentist can begin the process of restoring your implants. He will take impressions of your teeth and gums for a skilled dental lab to use in fabricating your unique restoration. He will also place an abutment (connector) on the implant, which requires a short recovery for your gums to heal. There is generally a one-week turnaround time for restoration design. After it is completed, we will permanently attach your prosthetic to the implants to restore your smile.

Unmatched Benefits

Compared to other types of tooth replacement, an implant-supported restoration offers many advantages, including:

• No dietary limitations 

• Enhanced appearance 

• Natural look and feel 

• Stimulates jawbone for improved oral health 

• Easy to maintain and clean 

• Permanent solution to replacing missing teeth

Renew Your Smile

Tooth loss can affect your appearance, confidence, and overall well-being. Many patients find that after dental implant treatment, their confidence and social life improve. If you are looking for a permanent solution to tooth loss, contact our practice today to schedule your dental implant consultation.