Dental implants are a revolutionary treatment for patients who wish to replace missing teeth. Implants provide a very real and cosmetic solution when a tooth is missing or is beyond saving. Instead of dentures, you can have teeth you won’t have to take out at night, can chew all foods with, and are absolutely natural looking.
Dental implants are the closest you can get to healthy, natural teeth. They allow you to live the way you want to – confidently eating, smiling, laughing, and enjoying all of your everyday activities without worrying about your teeth.
Dental implants act as artificial roots for teeth, similar in shape to screws and made of titanium, that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jawbone. The artificial teeth (porcelain crowns) attached to implants are natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile.
Modern dental implants have been used successfully for over 30 years. They are the strongest devices available to support replacement teeth – and even better, they allow these new teeth to feel, look and function naturally. On occasion, they will have to be tightened or replaced due to normal wear or oral habits such as smoking or teeth grinding that can shorten the longevity of a dental implant.
The process of having dental implants placed and restored requires a number of visits over several months.
Records are taken of the jaw and teeth to determine bone, gum tissue, and spacing available for an implant. While the area is numb, the implant will be surgically placed into the bone and allowed to heal and bond to the bone for three to six months. The next phase is to gather impressions and information to fabricate the “connector” – known as an abutment – and the crown restoration for the implant.
Two to three weeks later the lab fabricated abutment and restoration are carefully placed onto the implant. You will receive care instructions when your treatment is completed. Good oral hygiene, eating habits, wearing a night guard if recommended, not smoking, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.
