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Cosmetic Dentistry
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What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth that will replace your missing tooth. Dental implants are usually made of titanium, which is a bio-compatible metal. The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it will fuse with the bone. This process, called osseointegration, takes several months. The implant will eventually support a crown, bridge, or denture.
What Are The Steps Involved In Dental Implant Placement?
Damaged Tooth Removal
First, your dentist will numb the treatment area to prevent discomfort. Then, he or she will carefully remove any damaged tooth enamel, leaving a strong base for a dental implant.
Jawbone Preparation (Grafting)
For patients who do not have enough jawbone density, your dentist will perform a bone grafting procedure where bone from either another part of your body or a bone substitute is grafted to the jawbone area to support new bone growth.
Dental Implant Placement
The implant will be placed into the jawbone by a surgical procedure to replace the lost tooth roots. A healing cap will be attached to the top of the dental implant. This cap will heal the gums and prevent infection during the healing process.
Bone Growth and Healing
After a dental implant is placed, the surrounding bone and gum tissue need time to heal. Also, the implant will need to fuse with the jawbone. This process is called osseointegration and typically takes 3-6 months.
Abutment Placement
After your jaw has healed, your dentist will place an abutment over each dental implant. Abutments are the small metal posts that anchor your replacement teeth to your implants. Your dentist will secure each abutment with dental cement, so it does not shift.
Artificial tooth placement
A dental implant crown, also known as a restoration, is an artificial tooth that replaces the crown of a missing tooth. The crown is custom-made to look and function just like a natural tooth, and it’s attached to the dental implant to complete the restoration.
What Are The Advantages of Dental Implants?
Look and feel like natural teeth
Dental implants are the closest thing to natural teeth and can last a lifetime when properly placed and cared for. Implants function as your own teeth, allowing you to eat all of your favorite foods without worry. They look just like natural teeth and don’t feel like you have an artificial tooth in your mouth.
Fit securely
A dental implant is permanently fixed in your mouth, so it won’t move or slip. Unlike removable dentures, you don’t have to worry about them slipping or coming loose. This allows you to speak and chew without constantly worrying about your teeth.
Healthy adjoining teeth are preserved
Dental implants are secured in the jawbone, and with proper care, they can last a lifetime. Implants will not decay like natural teeth and do not need to be protected from damage. Your other teeth do not need to be filed down to place the implant.
Allow you to eat any food
Dental implants allow you to eat any food you want. With dentures, you may struggle to enjoy some of your favorite foods, particularly those that require a lot of chewing. Dental implants are securely attached and do not move, eliminating this issue.
Convenient - no special care is needed
Dental implants do not require any special care - you just need to follow good oral hygiene habits and visit your dentist every six months.
Prevent bone deterioration
The roots of your teeth stimulate your jawbone. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone can deteriorate as the bone is no longer receiving stimulation. The jawbone may also recede, changing the shape of your face. Dental implants can prevent bone deterioration by simulating the stimulation of tooth roots.
It can help preserve facial structure
Although it may seem surprising, a dental implant can preserve your facial structure. Bone deterioration is a common side effect of tooth loss because the bone is no longer stimulated when you chew. The dental implant actually replaces the tooth root, which is the part responsible for stimulating the bone and preserving the facial structure.
Have Questions About Dental Implants? Find Answers Here.
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw bone. The implants function to replace missing tooth roots, stimulating the jawbone and preventing bone loss. Since the implants are fused with the jawbone, they provide a permanent foundation for replacement teeth.
Dental implants are a comfortable option for replacing missing teeth. The procedure for implant placement is simple, and it can be performed under local anesthesia. You’ll feel no pain or discomfort during the procedure, and any discomfort you may experience afterward can be managed with over-the-counter medication.
Dental implants look natural because they are designed to look so. When a tooth is restored with a dental implant, the dental implant will resemble your natural tooth. The dental implant functions just as a natural tooth would work as well. With a dental implant, you will be able to eat all of your favorite foods again.
Your dental implant will likely require the same daily hygiene and care as your natural teeth. This means brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. If your dentist provides a specific recommendation, be sure to follow this advice.
Do you have a question? Or do you wish to schedule an appointment with us? Call Dawson Modern Dentistry at (704) 565-9512 or visit Dentist in Matthews, NC at 3555-2 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Matthews, NC 28105.
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