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Dental Implants

At one time, when a person lost a tooth, they had limited options. They could have no tooth or get removable dentures, and that was it. Today, however, patients can have one or more teeth replaced with dental implants for a more natural look, feel, and function of your teeth and gums. While the concept of implant dentistry may seem newer, dental professionals have been perfecting it for decades. Modern dental implants procedures can improve your oral health, quality of life, and how you see yourself in the mirror.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are an effective and permanent solution for replacing a tooth, several teeth, or all of their teeth. They are made from a non-toxic material safe to be inside the human body and acts as a long term replacement to the tooth root that once resided in that location. We can perform implant dentistry on both the upper and lower jaw and even give you a full set of new teeth.

There are two common types of dental implants.

Subperiosteal implants, which attach a metal frame bellow the gum tissue and directly to the surface of the jawbone.

Endosteal implants, which insert a post through the gums and into the jawbone.

What Are the Benefits of Implant Dentistry?

Patients often choose dental implants because they are:

Durable – They can withstand the same biting force healthy, natural teeth can.

Confidence-boosters – No more worrying about dentures falling out, not fitting properly, or developing odors

Known for their high success rate – While no procedure has a 100% success rate, implant dentistry is up there at 95%.

Permanent – When cared for, implants can last a lifetime.

Easy to care for – Follow a normal, healthy dental care routine (brushing, flossing, dental visit, etc.)

Helping you keep other teeth – Implant dentistry restores needed support for other teeth, so you can try to keep them.

Able to anchor a denture or bridge – If these are part of your solution, implant dentistry can make them even better.

How Are Dental Implants Procedures Performed?

First, the dentist needs to make room for the implant. In most cases, this means removing the damaged or decayed tooth. Often a patient requires time for their gum tissue to heal. Sometimes this may mean removing the patient’s wisdom teeth. Depending on the overall health of the jawbone, a patient may require bone grafting. In this case, the dentist will place bone into the patient’s jaw to add density to the jawbone before continuing with the implant.

Once the implant is placed, a patient is given time to heal. This gives the jawbone a chance to fuse properly to the titanium in the implant. At their next visit, the implant dentist will place the post, or abutment. That’s what helps to connect the implant and the crown. The crown is typically fit and placed in a separate dental procedure, and the tooth is restored! Of course, if a patient requires more than one implant, this process may look different

 

Are You A Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

The best candidates for this surgical procedure have a regular, healthy dental routine but lost a tooth due to injury or disease. Here are some other factors to consider:

  • Age – Dental implants are not normally recommended for children since their jaws are growing, but for adults 20+, you could be a good candidate.
  • Jaw health – The jaw must be strong enough to accept an implant; however, if it is not, a bone growth procedure may be able to prepare your bone to hold an implant.
  • Smoking – Active smoking has lowered the success rate, but not so much that you should rule it out. Please speak with us.

 

Looking for dental implants in California? Contact Espire Dental in one of our Californian location to discuss a treatment plan and discover the best way for replacing your teeth and loving your smile.