Dental Implants
With modern dental techniques and technologies, dental implants are the optimal choice for replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile’s beauty and functionality.
Because implanted teeth are fixed in the mouth, unlike removable dentures, they restore much of the comfort and function of natural teeth. This increased chewing ability allows you to enjoy more nutritious foods, enhancing your overall health and wellbeing. Additionally, dental implants help prevent future dental issues, particularly the gradual bone loss in the jaw that occurs with missing teeth.
The primary advantage of implants over dentures is their permanence. Unlike removable dentures or partial dentures, implants do not require messy adhesives or interfere with speech or eating. Additionally, because they are permanent, implants will always fit perfectly, unlike dentures, which may need to be refitted or replaced over time.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial replacements for natural teeth. These implants consist of titanium tooth roots that are anchored in the gum and jawbone. Their screw-like shape offers more surface area for the bone to grow into, a process known as osseointegration. Crowns, or replacement teeth, are then permanently attached to these metal implants. This can enhance your appearance, boost self-confidence, and allow you to speak more clearly compared to having missing teeth or poorly fitting dentures.
In addition to improving nutrition, being able to eat a variety of foods can greatly boost your mood! Most people with dental implants can enjoy the same foods as those with natural teeth.
You might be thrilled about your new smile. If you’ve had missing teeth or poorly fitting dentures, you probably haven’t felt confident in your smile for a while, possibly even hiding it. Many patients with dental implants experience a significant confidence boost and feel like smiling more often just because they finally can!
Many implant patients also experience improved facial aesthetics. Properly aligned jaws from new implants contribute to a more balanced and often more youthful appearance.
01 How long does treatment take?
Depending on your health condition and the type and number of implants needed, the implant procedure can take anywhere from a single day to several months.
For most cases involving one or a few implants, the initial phase involves placing the implant in the jawbone and allowing it to heal. This procedure takes 1-2 hours, with a healing period of 3-6 months. Once the dentist confirms that the implant has securely healed, the crown (artificial tooth) is attached. This step may require one or two visits.
For patients replacing all of their teeth, it is possible to have implants and prosthetic teeth placed in a single day, though the overall healing time remains around 3 months.
02 How long does implants last?
Our mouths constantly change due to our diet, habits, and age. Regular dental visits are crucial to catching potential problems early, as many dental issues lack obvious symptoms. Dentists have the tools and expertise to thoroughly examine your oral health.
Not everyone needs a check-up every six months; some need more frequent visits, especially those with gum disease. The dentist will recommend the right frequency based on your situation. More frequent visits are advised to keep you healthier in the long run.
Regular visits help keep your teeth strong, clean, and white, and your breath fresh. Hygienists can remove stains that brushing, flossing, and at-home treatments can’t. We’re also happy to provide refresher training on proper at-home oral hygiene techniques.