Dental Implants
Dental implants represent the most advanced tooth replacement technology available in dentistry today. These devices have a number of advantages over earlier treatment options, and their lifelike appearance is included in that list.
The dental implant itself is a titanium post and the surrounding bone that it is placed within integrates with the surface of the implant, structurally replacing a tooth’s root. The implant then secures a prosthetic crown. Implants can also be used to support bridges or dentures. The prosthetic is crafted from materials that mimic the optics, durability, and form of natural teeth, and the replacement teeth often look nearly identical to their biological neighbors.
Dental implants are inserted into the jaw in an oral surgery procedure, and the bone fuses with the implant over time. Rare occasions allow for some implants to be loaded (fitted with the prosthetic) on the same day as surgery, limiting the amount of time the patient has to endure a noticeably incomplete smile.
Although oral surgery is involved in dental implants placement the procedure does not usually take long in an outpatient setting. Patients return home the same day and they typically return to their full routines a few days after that. Be sure to follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions closely to cut your chances of complications. If you develop an infection after surgery, it could ultimately result in implant failure, so following instructions and taking your medication as prescribed is of utmost importance.
It’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetic benefits of dental implants, because all patients want the most attractive smile. However, the dental implant offers structural advantages too.
Because the root and crown are replaced in a dental implants, the jawbone remains more stable with this appliance than it would with a bridge or denture. When the root is absent, the jawbone wears away as a result. This process, known as resorption, can compromise the integrity of the remaining biological teeth. In a way, this characteristic of dental implants also helps to preserve a smile’s natural appearance.
If you have lost a tooth or multiple teeth and are exploring your treatment options, consider dental implants to restore a natural appearance to your smile. Learn more about the procedure and whether dental implants will be appropriate in your case by contacting Dr Robby Sehmi at Finesse Dental today.