Dental Implants Provide a Permanent Solution for the Replacement of Your Missing Teeth

Dental implants act as substitutes for natural tooth roots, stabilizing the bone with which they fuse and become integrated with.  Dental implants tend to be a more comfortable and permanent solution for replacement of missing teeth.  When placed and restored by an experienced dentist, your implants will look and feel as if they are your own natural teeth.  Replacing missing teeth is imperative to maintaining oral health and function.

Tooth Loss

In cases where too many teeth are missing and there are no supporting teeth for bridges, loose dentures or more solid dental implants are the only choice to replace the missing teeth.  Tooth loss may occur because of:

• Tooth decay
• Root canal failure
• Gum disease
• Trauma to the mouth
• Excessive wear and tear
• Congenital defects

Additionally, biting irregularities caused by tooth loss can have a negative effect on eating habits and this can lead to secondary health problems like malnutrition.  Regardless of the nature of problems related to tooth loss, dental implants may provide a simple remedy with proven results that will bring confidence back into your smile.

Dental Implants: The Basics

Dental implants today are virtually indistinguishable from your other teeth.  The natural appearance is aided in part by the structural and functional connection between the dental implant and the living bone.  Implants are typically placed in one sitting, but require a period of osseointegration, which direct anchorage of the implant root and the bone of the jaw occurs.

Osseointegrated implants are the most commonly used and successful type of dental implant, taking anywhere from three to six months to anchor and heal.  Once healed and anchored, your dentist can complete the procedure with the placement of a crown.  As soon as the implant has anchored with the jawbone, artificial prosthesis may be attached and the process is completed.

The Process

Bone density needs to be assessed before your implants are placed in order to ensure that you have sufficient quality and quantity of bone tissue available.  If there is insufficient bone or significant bone loss has occurred due to periodontal disease, then you may need bone grafting before the implant can be placed.  In some cases, mini implants can be used if the bone density is too low for larger implants.

The implants function as the root of your tooth, requiring a hole to be drilled into your jawbone to accommodate it.  Local anesthesia is often used when placing an implant, but if you are anxious, you may choose to be sedated during your treatment instead.  It is up to your dentist to decide what the best solution is.

Contact your dentist in Emeryville, CA for further consultation on if dental implants are an appropriate solution to replacing your missing teeth.  Based on the condition of your oral tissues, oral hygiene, personal habits, and commitment to follow aftercare instructions, your dentist will advise you of the most appropriate dental implant treatment plan.