Dental implant surgery is a permanent solution for tooth loss that replaces the whole tooth, from root to crown. The implant can transform your smile’s look, overall health, feel, and function.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium rods surgically inserted into the jaw. These artificial roots provide a permanent base for replacement teeth.
Compared to crowns, bridges, and dentures, dental implants are a popular long-term solution for missing teeth or for people with chronic dental problems. Dental implants are the new standard in tooth replacement because they fit and function like natural teeth.
Dental implant surgical procedure typically has three parts:
– The implant or placement: A screw used as the artificial root for your new teeth permanently fuses to your jaw.
– The abutment: A connector that holds a tooth to the implant.
– The crown (or prosthetic tooth): The artificial tooth typically is made of zirconium or porcelain for durability.
During the implant’s surgical placement, the doctor will numb your mouth with local anesthesia or give an IV sedation so there is no pain or discomfort.An incision is made in your gums to place the tooth root implant into the jawbone in the missing tooth’s location. Once implanted, the dentist closes the gums over the implant.
A bonding or bone growth process called osseointegration starts, which means that your bone will grow around the rod to make a solid and durable anchor for your new teeth. Full osseointegration healing time may take anywhere from two to six months.
Only a professional can determine how long you will have to wait before the restoration is ready. If more time is needed before placement, a temporary crown will be attached to help eat and speak normally until the restoration process is complete.
When the implants have fully fused with the jawbone, an abutment is attached to the implant post. The abutment is the metal part that serves as a base for the crown. It connects to your jawbone, while the crown fits on the other end. The abutment rises slightly above the gum line to support the crown. Click here for more info.
Meanwhile, new custom artificial teeth are made right here in our office. These restorations will perfectly match the rest of your teeth to create a natural look and restore appearance and function. Most individuals will not be able to tell you’ve gotten dental work done!
Once in place, your new teeth should feel instantly comfortable and natural. Dental implants can replace one tooth, multiple teeth, or a complete upper and lower new teeth set. Read more here.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
The most obvious benefit is the ability for greater enjoyment of life. Anyone missing teeth understands that they sacrifice confidence and the ability to smile and laugh without covering their mouth in shame. But benefits go beyond this:
Improved appearance and overall self-esteem: Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth because they permanently fuse with your bone.
Improved speech and easier eating: With dentures, the teeth can slip and slide in the mouth, causing slurring or mumbling or difficulty eating. With dental implants, you speak and eat without worry.
Comfort and convenience: No more embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures or the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.
Improved oral health: Dental implants don’t require attachment to other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth don’t support the implant, your original teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health.
Durability: Implants are long-lasting and durable. With proper care, they will last many years. Some implants can last a lifetime.
Stops bone loss and protects remaining teeth: A natural tooth root provides continual stimulation to the bone surrounding it through force whenever you bite down or chew. If the tooth is absent, stimulation is lost, and bone recedes. By replacing your tooth root with an implant, stimulation is restored to your jawbone, halting further bone loss and preventing remaining teeth from moving out of position.
Where can I get Dental Implants?
White Mountain Dental focuses on your overall care. We are here to evaluate your oral hygiene and health, answer questions about the implant process, and refer you to an oral surgeon if necessary. Although we do not place implant rods in our office, we do restore implants in our office, which is both convenient and comfortable for you.
There are several factors to consider when determining whether or not an implant treatment plan is a good option for you. Talk to Dr. Gulati to find out whether dental implants are a solution to your dental needs. Contact us to schedule an appointment.