Dental Implants
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
A dental implant is specifically designed to replace one or more teeth within your mouth. Implants are often made of titanium, and they are surgically inserted into the jawbone. Over the course of a couple of months, the implant itself will fuse with the bone, becoming a solid and stable part of your smile.
Dental implants function like our natural teeth, and allow patients to speak and eat normally. They are comfortable in the mouth, and do not cause gum irritation. Implants provide long lasting results, and if cared for properly they can last a lifetime.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Some of the benefits of dental implants include:
- Preserves the natural bone in the mouth, and helps to stimulate new bone growth.
- Implants are durable, and provide long term value financially compared to other restorative solutions.
- Implants are comfortable, and look and feel natural in the mouth.
- Implants can last upwards of 25 years, or a lifetime if they are cared for properly.
- Dental Implants restore full chewing power, and are as strong as natural teeth.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE DENTAL IMPLANT PROCESS?
You will be referred to a specialist to have the implant placed. Once the implant is placed there is a healing process that must occur.
The healing period allows the implant time to fuse to the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This allows the implant to function like a natural tooth root in the mouth. In order for the implant to remain sturdy, and provide the required support, the patient must have enough bone present in the jaw. If necessary, bone grafts can be done to provide the additional support that is needed.
Once the healing process is complete, the patient returns to our office to complete the implant process. An abutment or connector is placed on top of the implant, and this holds the crown, or other restoration, securely in place. A temporary crown or a temporary partial denture may be necessary until the patient returns to have the permanent restoration installed.
If you are interested in finding out how you can benefit from Dental Implants, contact TriState Family Dental Centers to schedule your consultation.