Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog

It is important to replace any missing teeth as soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in serious oral health issues such as a misaligned jaw, tooth loss, and gum disease. While there are several different options available to replace missing teeth, the most effective and long-lasting option involves the use of dental implants.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are permanently placed in your jaw to hold a replacement tooth. They provide you with a durable, stable restoration that eliminates many of the drawbacks associated with dental bridges and dentures.

The dental implant procedure takes a considerable amount of time to complete, so you must be willing to commit to the months-long time frame involved in this tooth replacement option. First, your dentist will insert the dental implant, consisting of a titanium screw, into your jawbone. Over a period of three to six months, your jaw will heal. During this time, the implant will fuse to your jawbone, enabling it to function as a permanent replacement root. This process is called osseointegration.

Once osseointegration is complete, your dentist will attach a titanium post, called an abutment to your dental implant. This abutment will eventually be attached to your prosthetic tooth. Your dentist will take an impression of your tooth to be sent to a lab for use in the creation of a dental crown that will serve as your prosthetic tooth. Once the crown is completed, you will return to your dentist’s office to have it attached to the abutment.

It is important to understand that not everyone is a suitable candidate for dental implants. At your initial consultation, your dentist will evaluate your jaw to make sure you have sufficient bone density to accommodate the dental implant.

If need to replace a missing tooth, please contact a dentist in your area today to schedule an initial consultation.