Dental implants have come to the forefront as a highly sought-after solution for permanently replacing a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth as they boast several benefits over traditional tooth replacement options such as bridges or dentures. Let's progress through the topic of dental implants to learn exactly what they are, their benefits and why we consider them to be the gold standard tooth replacement option.
What are Dental Implants?
Think of dental implants as artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. They serve as an anchor to hold a replacement tooth or set of teeth firmly in place. Dental implants are the foundation of a restoration that looks, feels, and functions just like natural teeth.
The Process
Getting dental implants typically involves several steps spanning a few months. Your journey begins with a comprehensive dental exam and consultation where we can discuss your current needs and create a personalized treatment.
Tooth Extraction: If your damaged tooth is still present, we will remove it and prepare the empty tooth socket for the placement of a dental implant.
Jaw Preparation (bone grafting): Sometimes, your jawbone may need to be prepared to ensure it can support the implant. This usually involves bone grafting and can commonly be necessary if you've been without a tooth or teeth for a while as the bone will naturally shrink around the area where the original tooth root used to be.
Implant Placement: A dental implant post is surgically placed into the jawbone. This phase may include some downtime to allow your bone to grow and bond with the implant - a process called osseointegration.
Abutment Placement: After the bone has successfully bonded to the dental implant, an abutment is attached to the top of the implant post. This piece will eventually hold the new tooth (crown).
Custom Tooth (crown) Creation: A custom-made artificial tooth (crown) will be securely placed to the abutment thus completing the restoration.
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Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants come with a plethora of benefits:
Natural Appearance: Dental implants are designed to fuse with the bone and the crown restoration is designed to look like your own teeth. We will match the color and shape of your existing teeth.
Improved Speech: Issues with multiple missing teeth or poor-fitting dentures can cause the teeth to slip, leading to slurred speech. Dental implants bring back those missing teeth and allow you to speak naturally without the constant worry that a denture might slip.
Comfort: Because they become integrated with your jaw (just like a normal tooth-root), dental implants eliminate the discomfort that you may experience with dentures or even issues with food poking at the gums surrounding the missing tooth.
Easier Eating: Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
Durability: With good care, dental implants can last many years, or even a lifetime.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Dental implants are our preferred tooth replacement option, especially for anyone who has good overall oral health but has lost a tooth or teeth due to gum disease, trauma/injury, or any other reason. The best way to determine if dental implants are the right tooth replacement option for you is to come in for a consultation. During your consultation, we will take the time to discuss your unique situation as well as your medical history. Together we can create a treatment plan that will detail each step, costs, and the expected outcome for your dental implant treatment.
We dive deeper into the question of “Are Dental Implants Right for You?” on our website so be sure to visit our Dental Implant FAQs page here.
Our use and goals with dental implants goes beyond just restoring your smile and even bringing back functionality. What we love most about dental implants is seeing the improvements in self-confidence and overall quality of life from our patients. This is why dental implants stand out as a superior option for tooth restoration. REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT at Smile Country Dental to see if dental implants are the solution to your dental woes and step into a future with a brighter, healthier, and functional smile.