Millions of Americans have dealt with the pain, discomfort, and problems of a missing tooth. If you are missing a tooth it can be hard to perform daily activities like chewing and smiling.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to stay that way. Dental implants are a procedure that restores the structure and function of your missing tooth. Dental implants have transformed the dental landscape, and they can definitely transform your smile.
What Is a Dental Implant?
An implant is a dental prosthetic that mimics the form and function of a natural tooth. A dental implant consists of three parts: the implant fixture, the abutment, and the prosthetic tooth.
Implant Fixture
The implant post is the part of a dental implant that is surgically embedded in your jawbone. The implant post is made of titanium and mimics the function of your tooth roots, allowing you to chew naturally. Over time, the implant post fuses to your jawbone, helping you maintain your jaw bone strength and the health of your jaw.
Abutment
An abutment is the part of the dental implant that connects the implant fixture to the dental crown. The abutment connects to the implant post, creating a firm and sturdy base for your new tooth.
The Prosthetic
The prosthetic is the visible part of the dental implant. We cement a porcelain dental crown to your abutment to complete the appearance of your new smile. This dental crown is your new prosthetic tooth.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Here’s what the dental implant procedure will look like:
- A titanium post will be inserted into your jawbone.
- We will allow 2-4 months for the area to heal and integrate with the bone.
- Then we will attach a custom-made crown to the fixture
When it’s all done, you’ll have a brand new smile that looks amazing and can handle any food you want to eat. No more eating only soft foods!
Why a Dental Implant Might Be the Right Procedure for You
Dental implants are an innovative, one-of-a-kind procedure. Here are a variety of important factors that set implants apart from other restorative dental procedures:
- Implants Replace the Entire Tooth: When you lose your tooth, you also lose the tooth root and eventually the bone structure underneath. Over a period of time, your surrounding teeth begin to shift position and the health of your jawbone decreases. An implant reverses this damage by stimulating your jawbone and replacing your missing tooth.
- Dental Implants Look and Feel Natural: Your dental prosthetic doesn’t just fill the gap of your missing tooth, it is designed to look and feel just like the tooth that you lost. We scan your new implant and customize your new tooth so that it fits the shape, size, and color of your smile. The beautiful porcelain material of the crown fits right in with your smile!
- Dental Implants Are Long-Lasting: Dental implants have greater longevity than other restorative procedures. As many as 80 percent of dental implants last for up to 25 years with proper care. Dental implants are an investment in your future oral health. Their ability to last for years makes them the prime choice for replacing missing teeth.
How Long Does a Dental Implant Last?
With proper care, a dental implant can last for 15-20 years. To care for your implant, make sure to brush and floss daily. If you have a history of smoking, it’s important to not smoke after receiving your implant because this can weaken the restoration.
Call Our Office to Learn More About the Dental Implant Procedure
If you are missing a tooth, there’s no need to feel like all hope is lost. We can help you get your smile back on track with a dental implant. Your new implant will help you smile, chew, and speak with regained confidence. Give our office a call for your implant consultation today.
