Dental implants are a durable, long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Every implant is custom-made to match the look and feel of your natural teeth. When properly cared for, they can last for years or even your entire life.
HOW DO DENTAL IMPLANTS WORK?
Losing teeth can mark a challenging time in your life. Not only do missing teeth put you at risk for physical concerns, but they also leave gaps in your smile. At The Smile Specialists, your smile and dental health are our top concerns. That is why we offer high-quality dental implants to restore missing teeth and make your smile bright again.
Dental implants differ from other replacement options in that they replace one tooth at a time. Using medical-grade materials, we can restore gaps in your smile with a natural-looking replacement. The implants fuse to your jaw bone, ensuring that they are stable and do not shift or fall out.
A dental implant consists of three parts, each serving its unique purpose.
- The implant: This is the part that is inserted into the gumline and serves as an anchor.
- The abutment: This connects the implant and the crown.
- The crown: This is the "tooth" part that will be visible. Every crown is custom-made to look and feel natural.
PROCESS FOR GETTING DENTAL IMPLANTS
Getting dental implants is straightforward, but it typically takes two visits to our office. We focus on making each part of the process comfortable and convenient for our patients. After all, restoring your smile should be an exciting time rather than a stressful one.
Step 1: Evaluation and Impressions
When you come in for your first visit, we examine the area of the missing tooth. This can consist of x-rays, color matching, and taking impressions. These steps allow our crown manufacturers to make a tooth that perfectly replaces the missing one.
In cases where you need a tooth extraction, this will also be part of the first steps.
Step 2: Dental Implant Insertion
If you have enough jaw bone material, we can go ahead and start by inserting the implant base. However, some patients may first need a bone grafting procedure if they do not have enough bone mass to support the implant. Bone grafting might sound intimidating, but it is a straightforward procedure that allows you to build up bone mass for your implant.
Once the implant is inserted, your jawbone will begin to fuse to it, providing a stable base.
Step 3: Abutment & Crown
In some cases, you can have the abutment placed at the same time as the implant. Otherwise, you will need to wait for your gums to heal for the abutment to be placed. Once the abutment is attached, the last step is to add your new crown. And then your dental implant is complete!
The new crown should look as if it is a natural part of your smile. While a dental implant cannot get cavities like natural teeth, it still requires care in order to get the most out of it.
If you have any questions at any point, do not hesitate to ask. We will gladly provide you with any information or assistance you might need along the way. Our goal is for you to have a comfortable and informed experience at every step.
ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS RIGHT FOR ME?
While dental implants provide an excellent solution to tooth loss, they are best for patients who need to replace only one or a couple of teeth. For patients looking to replace entire rows of teeth, dentures may be worth considering. However, implants can also benefit patients looking to use dentures by providing a base on which the dentures can be affixed for greater stability. During your appointment at The Smile Specialists, we will help you weigh your options and find the procedure that is right for you.
If you are missing teeth, we recommend looking for replacement options as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the greater an impact on your jaw and mouth as a whole. You might experience:
- Shifting of remaining teeth
- An improper bite (leading to dental issues like uneven wear or sensitivity)
- Loss of bone mass near the missing tooth
- Loss of confidence in your smile
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY
Get started on restoring your smile today by scheduling your appointment. Your orthodontist are here for you every step of the way, providing premier procedures and a comfortable, professional atmosphere for all of our patients. Call us today to learn more about dental implants and to take the first step toward completing your smile once again.