Dental Implants
When you are missing a tooth, it impacts your daily life in many ways. Eating and chewing the foods you love can become a challenge. You may also find yourself avoiding interactions with other people because of your appearance. Dental implants can help improve your smile after tooth loss.
What is a Dental Implant?
Dental implants utilize a titanium post that is placed into your jaw bone during a simple surgical procedure that replaces your lost tooth root. Because titanium is biocompatible, it naturally fuses with your bone and becomes a stable part of your dental anatomy. It also works to keep your bone stimulated and healthy just like your natural tooth root did.
It takes a few months for your implant to heal. After this process is complete, Dr. Smith can cover the implant with a beautifully customized porcelain crown, bridge, or dentures. These restorations return both function and aesthetics.
How a Dental Implant Protects Your Oral Health
Did you know that your missing tooth not only affects your smile but also your oral health? When you lose a tooth root, your bone begins to resorb, or dissolve. This presents problems for surrounding teeth and can even change the appearance of your face. Without a tooth replacement, your neighboring teeth begin to shift and move. This can cause bite misalignment and a higher risk for developing jaw joint problems, gum disease, and tooth decay. Replacing your missing tooth restores not only your confidence but also your dental health.
What Are the Advantages of Choosing a Dental Implant?
Besides protecting your oral health, dental implants offer numerous additional benefits:
- Implant dentistry is a very reliable treatment that offers a 95 percent success rate
- A dental implant with a restoration provides the look, feel, and function of a natural tooth
- Dental implants can last a lifetime
- Because of their durability, implants are a cost-effective investment
Dental implants are also capable of replacing multiple teeth by supporting prosthetics such as dentures, partials, or a dental bridge. By choosing dental implants to support your bridge or denture, you will also receive the benefits of keeping the bone healthy, which will ensure that you get the most out of your prosthetic.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
Dr. Smith is excited to provide her patients with this innovative treatment option. She can determine if dental implants are right for your needs with an examination and x-rays of your teeth and jawbone. She will guide you through the process each step of the way working closely with a trusted oral surgeon for the placement of your implant.
Dental Implant Restorations
While the implant acts as an artificial tooth root to support jaw health, it does not look or function like a tooth. The actual artificial teeth are called restorations. Once dental implant surgery is complete and you have healed, it is possible to fit you with various types of replacement teeth. These are carefully crafted in a dental lab in order to ensure they look exactly how you would like. We will help you choose the best size, shape, and color for any restorations so they look beautiful and natural.
Your options include:
- Dental Crowns: If you are missing a single tooth, a dental crown is an option for replacement. This is a single ceramic cap that is attached to your implant. It can be matched to surrounding teeth so it looks natural.
- Dental Bridges: Fixed implant bridges have two dental implants on either side of a dental bridge, which is a line of artificial ceramic teeth. This type of restoration works well if you are missing a large section of teeth.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: Traditional dentures adhere to your gums through suction, which makes it possible for them to slip around while you eat or speak. There is also the risk of bone loss or damage since there are no longer natural tooth roots to stimulate your jaw. Denture implants may be a better choice for your oral health as the implants can keep your jaw healthy while also helping the dentures stay securely in place.
Dental Implants and Restorations
It is estimated that 178 million people in the United States are missing one or more teeth, so you are not alone. We understand how much missing teeth can impact your confidence and your day-to-day life and we are here to help. Dental implants can help prevent bone loss in your jaw and restorations can give you a gorgeous, natural-looking new smile.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment to learn more about dental implants.
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SMITH DENTALWORKS
1840 E Innovation Park Dr
Oro Valley, AZ 85755
Phone: (520) 505-4422
HOURS
Tue 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Wed 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Thu 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Fri 8:00AM - 2:00PM
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SMITH DENTALWORKS
1840 E Innovation Park Dr
Oro Valley, AZ 85755
Phone: (520) 505-4422
HOURS
Tue 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Wed 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Thu 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Fri 8:00AM - 2:00PM