Tooth loss among adults is not an isolated event. In fact, nearly 180 million Americans are missing at least one permanent tooth. It’s important to replace missing teeth as quickly as possible to restore the smile and prevent bone loss in the jaw. Whether your tooth loss is due to injury, gum disease, or tooth decay, dental implants can give you back your smile. While you may feel alone with tooth loss, you don’t have to anymore. At Dental Arts Group in Philadelphia, PA, we offer single, multiple, and full arch dental implants that will look and function like natural teeth. The following is our guide to dental implants.
What to expect from dental implants
Dental implants are the gold standard in tooth replacement options. The implant post is placed into the jawbone, acting as a replacement tooth root, which stimulates bone regeneration. Once in place, dental implants will look and function like natural teeth. After the post or posts are in place, the restoration is finished with dental crowns or dentures that attach to the implant for both function and appearance.
How dental implants are placed
The first step in the dental implants process is a consultation. During this appointment, we can assess your needs and determine if you are a candidate for dental implants. Good candidates for dental implants will have good oral health and sufficient bone structure.
During the procedure, a small post is placed into the jawbone to replace the missing tooth root. The area is then left to heal, a process known as osseointegration. During osseointegration, the bone will fuse around the implant to create the stability needed for daily function. This process often takes several months, a temporary restoration can be used during this time for function and appearance.
Once osseointegration is complete, an abutment (connector) is attached to the implant. The last step is to attach a custom fabricated dental crown or denture, depending on how many teeth are missing.
Caring for dental implants is just like caring for your natural teeth. Make sure to brush and floss daily for ongoing oral health.
Benefits of dental implants:
- Natural appearance
- Long lasting results
- Preserves the integrity of the jawbone
- Able to eat and enjoy regular foods
- Improved speech
- Improved self-esteem and confidence
- Prevents remaining teeth from shifting
Why you should consider implant supported dentures over traditional dentures
While the look and feel of traditional dentures has improved a great deal in recent years, there are still some disadvantages to them. Traditional dentures rely on suction or dental adhesive to be kept in place. Because of this, individuals with dentures may experience the appliance rubbing on the gums or slipping out of place. In fact, many traditional denture wearers report they are not completely confident in the stability of their appliance and worry about it moving out of place while eating, talking, or smiling. Traditional denture can also put limitations on the food individuals can eat. Another problem with traditional dentures is that the fit will change over time. As the jawbone deteriorates, the size and shape of the mouth will change, making it necessary to have adjustments made to the dentures, and in some cases, getting a whole new set made.
Because implant supported dentures are connected to the implant that is firmly rooted in the jawbone, there is no fear of the teeth moving out of place. Implants look and feel just like natural teeth, which allows individuals to laugh, smile, speak, and eat with complete confidence.
Taking the first step toward a brand-new smile
It’s no secret that dental implants are a big investment, one that can greatly improve your health and quality of life. That’s why you want to find experienced dental specialists that you can trust. At Dental Arts Group, our highly trained staff has years of experience in all forms of dentistry, including dental implants. We will walk you through the process every step of the way and are always available to answer any questions you have. We also offer sedation dentistry for patients who have anxiety about dental procedures. To learn more about dental implants, call us today at (215) 624-1935 to schedule an appointment.