Dental Implants
Dental implants are the ultimate form of tooth replacement and are becoming the standard of care for a missing tooth. Millions of Americans have them.
Let’s explain what dental implants are, so you can understand why they are the best choice for replacing missing teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root, usually made of titanium. The screw-shaped post is surgically placed into the jawbone. During a healing period, the bone fuses to the implant, a process called osseointegration.
Once osseointegration has occurred, and a connector called an abutment is placed on top of it. Then a dental crown that matches your natural teeth is cemented to the abutment. Implants can be used to replace one or more teeth or to support a dental bridge or dentures.
Why Do They Work So Well?
A dental implant mimics the structure of a natural tooth. It’s biocompatible, so a few months after it’s placed, your jawbone fuses to it, supports it, and provides maximum stability. After a dental crown is secured to the implant, it’s easy to forget that it isn’t your natural tooth.
The Best Solution for Dentures
It’s common for complete removable dentures to click, slip, or lift. And after you’ve worn dentures for many years, the bone beneath them will shrink and make it even more difficult to keep them in your mouth. Dental implants eliminate those embarrassing moments and help prevent bone shrinkage. Your dentures will look and feel like you have your natural teeth back.
Advantages of Dental Implants
- Stimulate and preserve jawbone – The presence of the root form in your jawbone stimulates bone growth and prevents shrinkage.
- Promote oral health – Implants promote oral health by filling the spaces left by missing teeth that would otherwise cause nearby teeth to shift. You can also prevent poor occlusion (improper bite) and TMJ problems (jaw pain) caused by missing teeth.
- Prevent facial sagging – When your jawbone shrinks, you have a condition called facial collapse. This is prevented by the presence of implants.
- Healthier than a partial denture or dental bridge – Removable partial dentures clip onto natural teeth and can cause irritation or pressure. A dental bridge requires natural teeth on either side of the missing one to be shaved down and have crowns placed over them to serve as an anchor for the bridge.
- Long-lasting solution to replace missing teeth – Your jawbone fuses to the implant and provides a stable foundation and a long-lasting solution.
- Stabilize dentures – Your dentures will stay in place and not slip around or fall out.
- Natural-looking – Your implant fixtures won’t show, so the replacement teeth or dentures secured to them will look natural.
How Long Will They Last?
Dental implants can last a lifetime. But you will need to care for them with regular home dental hygiene and preventive dental visits. High standards also need to be maintained throughout every phase of the process.
First, Dr. Peterson will thoroughly review your medical and dental history to ensure you’re a candidate for this treatment. When implants are placed near nerves, you will probably need 3-D x-rays of your jawbone, which will show the nerve paths and provide for optimal implant placement. And, depending on the complexity of your case, he may need to work with a surgeon for your implant surgery. If so, he will give the surgeon instructions on exactly where to place the implants.
Dr. Peterson’s experience and training help him provide you with natural-looking dental crowns that are attached to your implants. When people see your beautiful, white smile, they will think your dental implants are your own natural teeth.
Interested in Preserving Your Smile with Dental Implants?
Call us to schedule an appointment for an exam. Or, you may complete our request an appointment form and we will call you.