Replacing missing teeth is important for maintaining your best oral health. It is also important for aesthetic purposes. Everyone wants to have a nice-looking smile, and missing teeth can make that difficult. Dental implants are quickly becoming the gold standard for tooth replacement. In the past several years, advancements in dental technology and materials have made a positive impact on the field of dental implants.
Today’s implants look more like real teeth, and the success rate is very high. With proper care and regular dental checkups, a dental implant will last for decades. Because of their aesthetic superiority to other tooth replacement methods, along with their durability and contributions to bone health, dental implants are the ideal choice for replacing missing teeth when this is an option.
The dental implant has three components. The implant itself is a titanium screw-like structure that is placed in the bone. The bio-compatible implant is precisely inserted into the bone and left to heal for several months. During this time, the bone integrates with the post, making it secure and holding it in place.
The second part of the implant is called the abutment. This piece fits onto the implant. The purpose of the abutment is to hold the crown, which is the final part of the structure. The crown is often made from porcelain and has the translucence of a natural tooth. The abutment and crown are placed on the implant post during the last stage of the procedure.
Excellence in Implant Dentistry
There are different methods for placing dental implants. Your dentist will discuss your options with you and recommend the best method for your situation. At Rivers + West Family Dentistry, our dentists have experience and skill in placing implants.
Your implant will need several months to heal and integrate with the bone. The fusion with the bone and implant post is a vital part of the process and determines the success of the implant. This process is called osseointegration and once completed, the final stage can begin. This includes placing the abutment on the post and seating the crown on the abutment.
If you have one or more missing teeth and are interested in the dental implant process, contact our dental practice to schedule an appointment for an examination and consultation. Dr. Rivers and Dr. West will be happy to discuss your suitability for dental implants.