Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a state-of-the-art solution for replacing missing teeth. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, implants provide a permanent base for fixed, replacement teeth. Composed of titanium and other materials compatible with the human body, dental implants fuse with your jawbone and serve as a sturdy anchor for new teeth.

Understanding Dental Implants: Structure and Types

Structure of Dental Implants:

Dental implants consist of three main components:

1. The Implant: A screw that serves as a root for your new teeth. This part permanently attaches to your jaw.
2. The Abutment: A permanent but removable by your doctor connector that supports and holds a tooth or set of teeth.
3. The Crown: This is the part of the tooth that you can see. It’s usually made of zirconium or porcelain for durability and aesthetics.

Types of Dental Implants:

1. Endosteal Implants: These are surgically implanted directly into the jawbone. Once the surrounding gum tissue has healed, a second surgery is needed to connect a post to the original implant. Finally, an artificial tooth (or teeth) is attached to the post-individually, or grouped on a bridge or denture.
2. Subperiosteal Implants: These implants consist of a metal frame that is fitted onto the jawbone just below the gum tissue. As the gums heal, the frame becomes fixed to the jawbone. Posts, which are attached to the frame, protrude through the gums. As with endosteal implants, artificial teeth are then mounted to the posts.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer numerous benefits over other tooth replacement options:

• Improved Appearance and Confidence: Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. They are designed to fuse with bone, becoming permanent.
• Enhanced Speech: With poor-fitting dentures, teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.
• Comfort: Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
• Easier Eating: Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.
• Durability: Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.
• Convenience: Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.

Ideal Candidates for Dental Implants

You might be an ideal candidate for dental implants if you:

• Have one or more missing teeth.
• Have a jawbone that’s reached full growth.
• Have adequate bone to secure the implants or are able to have a bone graft.
• Have healthy oral tissues.
• Don’t have health conditions that will affect bone healing.
• Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures.
• Want to improve your speech.
• Are willing to commit several months to the process.

The Dental Implant Procedure

The process of getting dental implants involves several steps and can take a few months to complete:

1. Consultation and Planning: This includes exams and planning with your dental specialist, involving X-rays, 3D images, and sometimes dental models.
2. Implant Placement: The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone. You’ll have a period of healing that can last several months.
3. Bone Growth and Healing: Once the implant is placed, the bone around it will grow and integrate with the implant in a process called osseointegration.
4. Abutment Placement: Once healing is complete, the abutment is placed on the implant just above the gum line.
5. Custom-Made Crown Placement: Finally, the custom-made crown is attached to the abutment.

Caring for Dental Implants

Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for your natural teeth. This includes:

• Brushing at least twice a day.
• Flossing daily.
• Regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
• Avoiding chewing hard items like ice or hard candy, which can break your crowns—or your natural teeth.

Why Choose Smile Design Team for Your Dental Implants?

At Smile Design Team, we use cutting-edge technology and personalized care to ensure you receive the best possible results from your dental implant procedure. Our team of experts is here to guide you through every step of the process, from initial consultation to final placement, ensuring a comfortable and successful outcome.

To learn more about dental implants and how they can restore your smile, contact us today or visit our clinic for a consultation. Let us help you smile with confidence again!