DENTAL IMPLANTS
How does the dental implant procedure work?
First, your doctor will take x-rays of your mouth and determine the optimal placement of the implant along your jawline. Once the implant has been surgically placed, the abutment and crown will be attached during the restoration procedures. Most patients report less pain during recovery than with wisdom teeth extractions. However, any discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication. If you are anxious about any stage in the implant procedure, your dental team is always ready and willing to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Remember that every patient is different and dental implant treatment may vary.
If you believe you can benefit from a dental implant procedure or would like more information, schedule a free consult here.
Dental implant vs. traditional bridge
Dental implants are currently considered the gold standard when replacing missing teeth. They provide several advantages over other replacement options. They promote the health of not just a single missing tooth, but also that of the remaining healthy teeth around it. The implant prevents bone loss, by stimulating the bone that holds the root of the tooth, keeping the bone that holds the roots of neighboring teeth healthy and strong.
Dental bridges, the former standard for tooth replacement, have no component that serves the function of the root of the tooth. Bridges also require filing down the enamel of healthy neighboring teeth to support the bridge. This sacrifices the health of neighboring teeth that would otherwise not have been affected with a dental implant. Long-term results have shown a single implant to be much more esthetically appealing and easier to clean than a bridge. The gum tissue around a bridge can recede and leave an area of metal that is exposed. This results in a visible defect and an unattractive smile. In a worst-case scenario, an anchoring tooth on a dental bridge can get a cavity and the bridge can fail. This often leaves a patient with the need to now replace three teeth, instead of the initial single missing tooth.
A dental implant will not only look, function and feel just like your missing tooth, but it will also preserve the health of your mouth for many years.
Key benefits of dental implants
You will never feel like your smile is incomplete again. The dental implant will be virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth, so you can smile again with confidence.
Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants keep the structure of your jaw intact, so you won’t have to get them refitted or replaced. With good oral hygiene, they will last your entire life.
Once placed in your mouth, your dental implant will feel exactly like your natural teeth. There are no protruding metal or denture sores. Many patients report not even knowing which tooth is the dental implant.
Since the implant is placed in your mouth, it stays in place throughout any activity. There are no eating restrictions or worrying about a false tooth slipping out of place.
Your dental implant will serve all the functions of your natural tooth, including the functions you may not realize, such as preventing bone loss.
