What are dental implants?
What are dental implants?
Brush Dental - Dental Implants - FAQs
Brush Dental - What are the main parts of a dental implant?
Brush Dental - How long do dental implants last?
An implant is a small metal screw that replaces an entire tooth. In a short surgical procedure, the dentist inserts the implant into the bone beneath your gums, right where the tooth should be. The implant serves as a natural tooth root and is then finished with a restoration like a dental crown to look and feel like a real tooth.
Getting dental implants is a significant decision. You may be considering an implant but are unsure of what to expect. We explain everything here so you can make an informed choice about your dental treatment.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
Why you might need dental implants
Your natural teeth provide support for the shape and height of your smile and allow you to eat and speak comfortably.
A gap in your smile could cause your other teeth to drift out of healthy, functional alignment. If this happens, your risk of developing oral health problems increases. Losing just one tooth can set off a chain of events in your mouth that negatively affects your oral health, the appearance of your face, and your quality of life.
Even if you do not experience these effects from missing teeth, there is one problem you cannot avoid: bone resorption. This is a natural process where your body breaks down non essential bone tissue to use the minerals elsewhere in your body.
When you have teeth in your jawbone, they push against it and encourage the production of new bone tissue. But once those teeth are gone, the bone tissue serves no purpose, so it slowly dissolves. The result is a shortened jaw and chin that cause wrinkles and give your cheeks and lips a sunken look.
Dental implants are the second best thing to having natural teeth. You can prevent or correct these issues by replacing lost teeth with implants.
The benefits of dental implants
Losing a tooth can be devastating. A missing tooth can make you feel self conscious about your smile and lead to various health issues. Gaps can make your bite uncomfortable, cause trouble eating your favorite foods, and lead to bone loss or shifting teeth.
- Restore your natural appearance
Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. They become permanent, “perfect” teeth because they are custom made to blend in with your smile. Implants are designed to match the size, shape, and color of your unique bite and natural enamel. - Feel confident in your comfort
Once a dental implant is placed, your jawbone fuses with the titanium post as it heals. A crown or bridge can be permanently attached to the post, or the implant can be used to support implant supported dentures. One thing is certain: the dental implant stays in place. Laugh, smile, and eat your favorite foods without worrying about shifting teeth or sudden pain. - Improve bone strength
When teeth are lost, the bone supporting them can start to weaken and shrink over time. Dental implants stimulate new bone growth around the implant, helping to strengthen the bone structure.
Dental implants are a long term solution that feels natural and lasts for decades with proper oral care.
Dental implant restorations
A restoration is the false tooth that covers the implant. The implant itself is hidden beneath your gums, but the restoration makes it appear as though you have a new tooth.
- Dental Crown
This is the most common implant restoration, covering a single tooth implant. - Dental Bridge
A bridge spans the gap where multiple teeth are missing. You can replace several teeth with one or two implants that support a dental bridge. A full implant supported bridge is an entire set of upper or lower teeth fixed to four or more implants. - Implant Denture
A removable denture can gain more stability by attaching it to two small implants.
A new life with dental implants awaits!
Your smile will be much improved after getting a dental implant.
Dental implants are easy to maintain and care for. Simply brush and floss your implant daily and protect it from injury when playing sports. Visit us regularly for checkups to ensure your implant stays healthy.
In return, your dental implant can reward you with many years of strong, happy, and beautiful smiles!
Start today by booking a consultation
How it feels
Although having a metal implant placed in the bone of your mouth may sound painful, the procedure is far more comfortable than you might expect.
We will numb your mouth with a mild anesthetic so you don’t feel any pain during surgery. Advanced dental technology allows us to place implants quickly, accurately, and conservatively. This results in less discomfort and faster recovery for you.
Some patients report feeling bored or even sleepy during the brief half hour it takes to place the implant. The most uncomfortable part for you might be holding your mouth open for a few minutes, but that’s all.
It is normal to experience some swelling, discomfort, or bruising in the hours after the procedure. The pain is mild and very easy to manage. We will provide you with instructions to minimize discomfort before the anesthetic wears off. Your surgical implant site should start feeling better within a week.
It might help to know that dental implants have a success rate of nearly 95%. Getting an implant is one of the safest and most predictable procedures in dentistry.
What to expect on your dental implant treatment journey
The implant placement process is much more comfortable than you may think.
Assessment
First, you will have a consultation to determine if implants are right for you. Your dentist will take X-rays and a 3D cone beam CT scan of your jaw to assess the bone tissue and plan the treatment. The dental team will take an impression of your teeth to plan the angulation of your implant.
Inserting the implant
We will administer an anesthetic to numb the surgical site completely. The dentist creates a small hole in the gums and bone, then places the implant post in the hole. Sometimes sutures are needed to close the gums.
Finalizing the restoration
You will go home and allow your implant to heal over the next few months. When you return, we will have your dental restoration ready. We will place the restoration, and you will leave with a brand new, fully functional tooth.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
No one has to know your implants are not natural teeth. The implants are hidden beneath your gums, and the lifelike restorations blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
In most cases, you can return to work the day after surgery. We will provide you with a more accurate time estimate once we know the details of your treatment and let you know if you should clear your schedule for a longer time.
Booking an Appointment is Easy!
Simply call us or book an appointment in 3 easy steps:
Fill Out a Quick Form
We'll Call You Right Away
Choose a Time That Works for You
