The best option for replacing a missing tooth is a dental implant. Unlike bridges or dentures, implants provide a long-term, natural-looking solution that mimics the function and appearance of a real tooth. A titanium post is surgically placed in the jawbone, where it fuses over time to create a stable foundation for a custom crown. This not only restores your smile but also prevents bone loss, maintains facial structure, and ensures lasting durability.
Losing a tooth might seem like a minor inconvenience, but its impact can ripple through your life in unexpected ways. Beyond cosmetic concerns, it can affect your ability to chew your favorite foods, speak with clarity, and even cause bone loss that alters the structure of your jaw. Over time, a missing tooth can gradually shift your bite, potentially changing the way your face looks or how you speak.
Maintaining a full set of teeth is essential for supporting your jaw and maintaining the natural contours of your face. Fortunately, dental implants offer a long-term, natural-looking solution. They restore both the form and function of your teeth, allowing you to eat, talk, and smile with complete confidence.
A dental implant is a titanium post, surgically inserted into the jaw, that acts as an artificial tooth root. Over time, it gradually fuses with the jawbone, creating a strong foundation for a replacement tooth that helps stabilize surrounding bone. When paired with a dental implant crown, an implant closely mimics the look and feel of your missing tooth, making it the gold standard for single tooth replacement.
There are several reasons you might need a dental implant; it all depends on your specific needs. Severe gum disease can lead to tooth loss and weaken the bone, often necessitating an implant to restore function. Similarly, advanced tooth decay may render a tooth beyond repair, requiring extraction and subsequent restoration. In cases of fractures or traumatic incidents that may result in tooth loss, a dental implant is often the most effective solution for full rehabilitation.
If you’re wondering if an implant may be right for you, your dentist is your best resource. During your consultation, our team will take comprehensive X-rays, diagnose any issues, and recommend a treatment plan to repair or restore your mouth.
If your dentist recommends a dental implant, they’ll walk you through the process in detail. However, this guide can provide an overview to help you understand what to expect. You may be referred to a specialist for different stages of your treatment.
First, your dentist will prepare the area for the implant. If there is an existing tooth that cannot be saved, it will need to be extracted. In some cases, a bone graft may be recommended to help stabilize and strengthen the surrounding bone to ensure that it is sturdy enough to support the implant. A bone graft involves transplanting of a small amount of bone material, either from your own body or a synthetic substitute. After extraction, there will be a healing period of approximately three to four weeks before moving forward to the next phase.
After healing, your dentist will take X-rays, including a CBCT scan, which provides precise imaging that will guide the implant placement. This allows for accurate measurements of the angle, depth, and positioning of the implant to ensure it functions properly. On the day of your procedure, your dentist will numb the area and make a small incision in the gum tissue to screw the implant into the bone.
After the implant has healed and is ready to withhold the weight and force required for chewing, you will return to your dentist for the placement of your dental crown. Scans and a mold of your mouth will be taken and sent to a dental lab. The lab will design a custom crown tailored to match the shape, color, and feel of your original tooth. Once your new crown is seated, you will immediately be able to chew normally and enjoy your beautifully restored smile!
If you’re ready to take the first step towards a more healthy, functional smile, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team will be with you every step of the way as you discover how dental implants can restore your smile, boost your self-esteem, and transform your quality of life.
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