Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Implants
When natural teeth are lost, it is very difficult to duplicate their function and appearance: dental implants may be an ideal treatment solution to restore your smile and improve your life. Whether you have one missing tooth or several missing teeth, dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth and if properly cared for, will most likely last a lifetime.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is designed to replace a tooth; it is an artificial tooth root that is permanently placed into the jawbone, providing solid support for new teeth. An artificial tooth, or crown, is attached to the metal implant, which is held in place as firmly as the root system holds a natural tooth.
A dental implant designed to replace a single tooth is composed of three parts: the first part is a metal screw, or cylinder, that is surgically placed in the jawbone. Titanium is used because of it’s compatibility with bone and oral tissue. The second part of the dental implant is the abutment, which is attached to the portion of the implant visible in the mouth. The third part of the dental implant is the crown, your permanent restoration which is custom fabricated to match your existing teeth and fitted onto the abutment for a natural appearance.
The placement of a dental implant occurs in stages and involves several procedures based on your overall health, the condition of your jawbone, your treatment plan and the type of implant used. The entire process can take from three to nine months as healing takes place between each stage.
Why Dental Implants?
With a success rate of up to 98%, dental implants are frequently the best choice for replacing missing teeth. An enhanced smile, a more youthful appearance, eating and speaking with confidence and comfort are just a few of the advantages of dental implants. The dental implant integrates with the jawbone, preventing bone loss and gum recession that can happen with dentures and bridges. Unlike bridges, dental implants do not alter healthy neighboring teeth. Unlike dentures, there is nothing to remove and no worries or embarrassment while eating or speaking. Your friendly Gilbert dentist, Dr. Rita Peck, finds placing dental implants among her most rewarding and successful procedures, and her implant patients couldn’t agree more. “I am overjoyed with my result and my health and my life have improved dramatically”, shares one patient. “My dental implant feels and looks like all of my other teeth and I can’t stop smiling!”
Dental Implant Patient Considerations
The ideal dental implant patient is in good overall health, with healthy oral tissues and adequate bone in the jaw to support the implant. If there is bone loss, bone grafting is a procedure that can be done to build up the bone, thus creating a solid base to support the implant. Patients must commit several months to the process and once the implant is in place, effective home care and regular dental visits are very important to maintain long term success.
If you are considering dental implants, your Gilbert dentist Dr. Rita Peck will evaluate if dental implants are the right treatment choice for you. Call our office (480) 503-5467 or visit drritapeck.com to learn more about Dr. Peck and how she can help you achieve optimal oral health.
