Dental implants are a highly effective and popular restorative dentistry treatment used to replace missing teeth. They are considered a long-term solution for tooth loss, providing functional and aesthetic benefits. At Dental Care of Fremont, dental implants are a permanent tooth restoration option that can replace a single missing tooth or several missing teeth in a row. They comprise an artificial titanium root and ceramic crown fused to resemble a natural tooth. They function just like natural teeth and provide the look and feel of a real smile.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants has many benefits, including improved aesthetics and function. Anyone missing one tooth or several teeth can benefit from dental implant restorations. Because implants are permanent replacements that look and feel like natural teeth, patients enjoy restored confidence in their smiles. Dental implants also help preserve the remaining natural bone in the jaw and prevent facial sagging that would otherwise occur due to bone loss. This can prevent premature aging of the patient’s appearance. Additionally, replacing missing teeth helps to restore full chewing ability and avoid compromising the health and remaining structure of the surrounding teeth. Patients who replace their missing teeth with implants can enjoy all the foods they love without pain or discomfort.
The Procedure for Dental Implants
The dental implant procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, but sedation or general anesthesia may be used for more complex cases or patients with dental anxiety. The dentist will incision the gum tissue to expose the jawbone and then drill a small hole to insert the implant. The implant is made of a biocompatible material, usually titanium, which fuses with the jawbone over time through osseointegration.
After the implant is placed, the gum tissue is stitched back into place, and the healing process begins. It takes several weeks to several months for osseointegration, during which the implant integrates and becomes firmly anchored in the jawbone. A temporary crown or bridge may be placed during this period to restore aesthetics and function. Once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, a minor surgical procedure is performed to expose the implant and attach an abutment. The abutment is a connector piece that extends above the gum line and serves as the foundation for the final restoration. After the gums have healed and the abutment is in place, an impression of the abutment and surrounding teeth is taken. This impression fabricates the final restoration, a crown, bridge, or implant-supported denture. The restoration is custom-made to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size.
It's important to note that dental implant candidacy depends on various factors, such as overall oral health, jawbone density, and general health conditions. To determine whether you’re a dental implant candidate, visit Dental Care of Fremont at 43195 Mission Blvd # B4, Fremont, CA 94539, or call (510) 651-8479.
