Dental implants are small, screw-like posts inserted into the jaw to replace missing tooth roots. Titanium is used to make the implant posts so that they fuse with your jawbone tissue to create a new root system for your replacement teeth. Implants also preserve your bone density and maintain the shape of your face by preventing the bone loss that occurs after tooth loss. This helps you maintain a more youthful appearance as you age.
At the Center for Advanced Dentistry, in addition to supporting dental crowns and bridges, implants can secure loose dentures so you can eat and speak normally again. By replacing missing teeth roots, dental implants also provide stability for crowns and dentures, making them more comfortable for patients than removable appliances.
The Procedure for Dental Implants
Dental implants are tiny titanium posts surgically inserted into the jawbone. After the jaw has healed, these dental implants will support dental crowns that will replace missing teeth and restore the natural smile. To begin the procedure, a small incision is made in the gums where the implant will be placed. Next, the damaged tooth is removed, and the bone is prepared to receive the implant. Then, the implant is screwed into the bone, and the gums are sutured closed over the implant. The following few weeks of treatment are used to let the area heal. After healing, the dentist will attach a connector piece to the implant. The abutment is attached to the connector piece. This acts as a base for the dental crown placed on top. The entire process can take a few months to accomplish.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
- They are a permanent solution to tooth loss. Once surgically implanted into the patient’s jawbone, they should last for the rest of their lives.
- They prevent jawbone degeneration. Patients who miss teeth for an extended period lose bone density in their jaw. Dental implants are the only restorative dental treatment to avoid this.
- They improve dental health. Patients who miss teeth may develop problems eating certain foods and speaking clearly. These issues can cause further detriment to a patient’s oral health as well as their confidence. With implants, these issues are eliminated.
- They help with facial structure. Missing teeth affect the structure of the face as it can cause the cheeks to sink in and the lips to sag. Implants help restore the face’s original structure, making patients look younger.
If you want to learn more about dental implants to replace missing or damaged teeth, visit the Center for Advanced Dentistry at 105 N. Bascom Ave, Suite 201, San Jose 95128, or call (408) 549-7133 to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists today!