Dental implants are the most advanced method of replacing one or more missing teeth. Because dental implants look, feel, and perform like your very own teeth, they offer enormous benefits when compared to traditional removable bridges and dentures. Unlike these removable restorations, dental implants offer a long-term solution to missing teeth. They require no more maintenance, thought, or concern than would your original teeth.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is essentially comprised of two components: a small titanium post and a dental restoration – most commonly, a dental crown. Typically, implants require multiple visits to the dentist, including one for placement of the post and one for fitting of the restoration.
If you are deemed a suitable candidate for this procedure, the post will first be surgically embedded into your jawbone at the site of the missing tooth. The post acts similarly to a tooth’s root, and over a period of three to six months, will fuse with the surrounding bone to form a secure and stable base. Throughout the healing period, a temporary crown will fill the gap left by the missing tooth. Once the post has integrated with jawbone, you will be ready to receive your permanent crown. Our doctors prefer all-porcelain crowns for their ability to blend seamlessly with our patients’ natural teeth.
Improved Oral Health
The benefits offered by dental implants are many. As mentioned above, they offer an extraordinarily long-term solution to missing teeth. This in itself sets dental implants apart from other methods of tooth replacement. The key to the strength and longevity of dental implants is osseointegration, or the permanent bonding of a dental implant to the jawbone. This allows replacement teeth to stand on their own, without requiring adjacent teeth to provide additional support, as is the case with traditional dental bridges.
Because they act as your own teeth would within the framework of the jaw, dental implants provide additional support to help prevent bone loss, gum recession, and other side effects of missing teeth. We will meet with you in a one-on-one consultation to explain the dental implants procedure and other options available to you.
Schedule a Consultation Today
In addition to the many oral health benefits offered by dental implants, our patients also regain the confidence that goes along with knowing that you have a beautiful, radiant smile. By restoring comfort, beauty, and the ability to speak, bite, chew, and smile with ease, dental implants greatly improve the quality of our patients’ lives.
We believe no one should have to live with missing teeth. To schedule a dental implant consultation and learn more, contact us today 865-539-1119 or www.deancosmeticdentistry.com