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If you’ve ever lost a tooth, you might be dealing with more than just a gap in your smile. When a tooth is lost and not replaced, the bone in the jaw that once supported it begins to deteriorate. This happens because, without the tooth’s chewing action, the bone no longer receives the stimulation it needs to stay strong. Over time, the gap causes surrounding teeth to shift into the empty space, which can affect your bite alignment, leading to issues with chewing and even speaking.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
So, what can you do to prevent this from happening to your smile? One of the most effective solutions available today is a dental implant. Dental implants mimic the function of a natural tooth, including stimulating the jawbone as you chew. This helps keep your jawbone healthy and strong while maintaining your bite alignment. Whether you need a single implant or multiple implants to replace several teeth, implants offer a long-lasting solution.
The implant itself is a titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root. After being surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gumline, it serves as a secure anchor for a replacement tooth (such as a crown or bridge). Once the implant fuses with your jawbone, it provides a stable and durable foundation. You won’t have to worry about it shifting, so you can speak and chew with confidence. Dental implants can also be used to secure dentures, bridges, and crowns, allowing them to feel natural in your mouth.
To qualify for dental implants, you’ll need healthy gums and enough jawbone material to support the implant. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and attending regular dental checkups is also crucial to ensuring the implant’s long-term success. If you’re considering dental implants, here’s an overview of what you can expect from the procedure.
Many patients worry that the process will be painful. While there is some discomfort associated with any surgical procedure, our dentist will provide local anesthesia or other sedation options to ensure you are comfortable during the implant placement.
Dental Implant Process
- Accessing the Jawbone: Our dentist creates an access point in the gumline to reach the underlying jawbone.
- Creating Space for the Implant: A small space is made in the jawbone to act as the anchor point for the dental implant.
- Inserting the Titanium Post: The titanium post is placed into the jawbone, where it will act as the base of the dental implant.
- Healing and Fusion: Over the next few months, the jawbone naturally fuses with the titanium post, providing a strong foundation.
- Attaching the Abutment: Once healing is complete, an abutment is attached to the implant to hold the final restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) securely in place.
- Healing the Gums: The gums are given time to heal before the final restoration is placed.
- Creating and Placing the Restoration: An impression of your smile is taken to guide the creation of the restoration, which will be carefully crafted to match your natural teeth. Once ready, it is securely placed on the implant.
The entire process can take a few weeks to several months, depending on how many teeth need to be replaced and how quickly your mouth heals. If you’re ready to learn more about dental implants and how they can restore your smile, contact our team today for more information!
By choosing dental implants, you’re investing in a solution that not only enhances your appearance but also improves your oral health and prevents future complications.