Dental Implants
While dentists work hard to help their patients maintain the health and integrity of their natural teeth, tooth loss is still a common part of life. Whether you have lost one or more teeth as a result of age, illness, or injury, you do not have to live with the discomfort that an incomplete smile can cause. Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat and speak normally. They can also change the way a person looks. Plus, missing a tooth can result in the deterioration of the jawbone, which can compromise the health of neighboring teeth.
At Tooth Twins, we strongly encourage patients who are missing teeth to consider restoring the form and function of their smiles while enhancing their natural features with dental implants.
A dental implant is a dental prosthetic designed to replace one or more missing teeth. Dental implants consist of three parts:
Implanted directly into the jawbone, the dental implant's anchor works like a natural tooth's root system, stimulating the jawbone and securely holding the dental restoration in place.
Dental implants are a versatile treatment option, as they can support a variety of prosthetic dental restorations to restore a smile's form and function.
Dental implants that support a dental crown (cap) are intended to replace individual teeth on a one-for-one replacement basis.
One or two dental implants can also serve as the anchors for a dental bridge that is designed to replace multiple consecutive missing teeth.
Four or more strategically placed dental implants can be used to support full or partial dentures on either the upper, lower, or both arches of teeth. Implant-supported dentures come in several designs. Some of these are removable and others are not.
The process begins with a consultation. During this appointment, our dentist examines the patient's teeth and gums and takes a set of diagnostic images to evaluate the structure of the jawbone. We can then determine whether or not the patient is a candidate for dental implants. We then design the patient's treatment plan and determine if a bone graft procedure will first be necessary.
If a bone graft is needed to strengthen the jawbone prior to placing a dental implant, this procedure will be the first scheduled. It is a simple oral surgery followed by a period of healing and bone generation. Once properly healed, we re-examine the jawbone and schedule the patient for implant placement.
A dental implant placement procedure is also a minor oral surgery. During this appointment, we make a small incision, drill into the jawbone, and place the dental implant. The procedure is followed by another period of healing. During this time, the implant anchor osseointegrates with the jawbone, creating a secure bond.
The patient is then scheduled for the placement of the abutment. This step may be followed by another healing period, depending on how the patient's gum tissues have healed around the implant anchor. Once the patient is fully healed, the dental restoration can then be affixed to the implant abutment, completing the treatment process.
The treatment process for getting dental implants can be quite lengthy, lasting anywhere from three months to more than a year, depending on the patient. However, for most patients, the benefits of dental implants are well worth the commitment.
Dental implants and implant-supported restorations offer several advantages compared to other restorative treatments. Dental implants look and feel natural. They allow patients to speak normally, enjoy all of their favorite foods, and smile with confidence.
Additionally, dental implants deliver direct stimulation to the jawbone, as the roots of natural teeth do. As a result, dental implants help to support the health of the jawbone, preventing the bone deterioration that can occur over time when missing teeth are not replaced with dental implants. As a result, dental implants help preserve a patient's bone structure, appearance, and the health of neighboring teeth.
If you are missing one or more of your teeth, you don't have to live with an incomplete smile or an uncomfortable restoration. Dental implants can help you restore and enhance your smile while supporting your ongoing oral health. To learn more about dental implants or to request a smile restoration consultation with our experienced cosmetic dentst at Tooth Twins, we welcome you to contact our office today.
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