IMPLANTS
Dental Implants
Each year millions of Americans suffer tooth loss of some kind. Some of the most common reasons for tooth loss include decay, injury or periodontal disease. While there are other options to treat tooth loss such as bridges or dentures, dental implants are a more comfortable, sustainable solution to filling the gap.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Losing a tooth can mean losing some of the comfort and function you once had. The many benefits of dental implants include:
Improved appearance
Improved speech
Improved comfort
Easier eating
Improved self-esteem
Improved oral health
Durability
Dental Implant Procedure
Dental Implants work as replacement tooth roots, while mimicking the appearance and functionality of your natural smile. These implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth and can be used in combination with other tooth replacement options such as dentures and bridges. There is very little discomfort associated with a dental implant procedure, however it is imperative that the implant is properly cared for during the healing stage.
Placing a dental implant involves a minor surgical procedure which is performed under local anesthesia in combination with nitrous oxide sedation. Implants usually take six weeks to six months to properly fuse to the bone material, in addition to several months of maintenance before the healing process is complete.
Dental Implant Restorations
A dental implant is made up of two main components— The implant which acts as an artificial root, and the restoration which replaces the missing tooth. For individuals missing a single tooth, the implant may be fitted with a crown, whereas patients with multiple missing teeth can use the implant as a base for other restorations such as dentures or bridges.
Dental Implants For Denture Retention
Dental implants are a highly effective, secure option for living a lifestyle with dentures. While most dentures are fitted to your gums daily with an adhesive, implant-secured dentures are much more enjoyable, and allow the gums to absorb more force. Dentures secured by implants can restore a patient’s ability to talk confidently and eat comfortably, however, they do not fully replicate a natural bite and must be removed at night and for cleaning.
