A dental implant is an ideal form of tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth. Tooth loss can occur for various reasons, the most common of which are injury, periodontal disease, and tooth decay. A dental implant is a titanium post that is inserted into the jawline and then capped with a crown that looks just like a normal tooth. Dental implants provide the best aesthetic and functional correction of all tooth restoration treatments available today. They can help you achieve and maintain a beautiful and natural-looking smile with functional ease for dental hygiene, chewing, and eating.
Who Should Get Dental Implants?
Dental implants depend on healthy gums and adequate bone tissue for support. If you have periodontitis or if significant bone loss has already occurred since you lost your tooth, you may not be a candidate for dental implants. Patients who are committed to oral hygiene and regular dental visits are the best candidates for this treatment, as these commitments are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Choosing dental implants over other methods of tooth restoration offers many benefits. The benefits of getting a dental implant include:
- Permanent tooth restoration to protect against jawbone loss
- Easy to care for and maintain dental hygiene
- Incredibly durable, even stronger than natural teeth
- No damage to the surrounding teeth
- Lasts 10 to 20 years
- Looks and functions like a natural tooth
- Restores a natural smile
The Implant Process
Placing a dental implant requires a few phases of treatment:
Phase 1
Treatment begins local or general anesthesia, after which a titanium post is surgically inserted into the jawbone. This becomes the new “root” of the tooth. Three to six months of time are allowed to elapse so that the portion of jawbone that surrounds the implant can heal.
Phase 2
As soon as the tissues have healed, a dental abutment is placed on top of the titanium implant. A temporary crown may be placed on the abutment. Two or three more weeks must pass so the soft tissues can fully heal before the permanent crown is secured. The customized permanent crown will be designed to match the surrounding teeth.
Phase 3
The permanent crown is cemented to the abutment. This is the completion of the dental implant process. The new implant will function and look like a normal tooth, so no special hygiene or diet will be required. Patients can return to normal life and enjoy their beautifully restored smile.
To book your appointment for dental implants, please call (610) 746-0488 today.