Dental implants are a common treatment used by a cosmetic dentist to permanently replace missing teeth. Since implants are designed to look and act like real teeth, patients can benefit from an enhanced smile that appears natural. For people who are good candidates, this solution not only provides aesthetic benefits but also restores proper functions to the mouth after a tooth is lost and makes regular activities such as eating or talking easier.
Unlike dentures that can come loose in the mouth, dental implants are anchored permanently into the jaw using a titanium post. When successful, a time of healing called osseointegration takes place that allows the bone to grow over the implant. Once the jaw and post are fully integrated, an abutment is placed above the gumline. The final step in the process is the attachment of a custom-made crown to the abutment.
Before a dental implant can be placed, the dentist verifies that the patient has generally healthy gums and adequate bone volume in the jaw to properly support and integrate the post. If not enough bone is present, grafting is often used to build up the jaw, using bone from somewhere else in the body. For patients missing more than just a couple of teeth or who have lost two or more adjacent teeth, a cosmetic dentist can also discuss dentures or a dental bridge as possible alternatives.
Smoking can contribute to a weak bone structure, increasing the chance of implant failure. Patients who have received a high dose of radiation in the neck or head may not be suitable candidates for implants since high levels of radiation can cause damage to the jaw. Additionally, some chronic conditions such as diabetes or connective-tissue diseases can affect the body’s ability to heal, disrupting osseointegration.
The process of creating a dental crown to cover an implant typically takes a couple of weeks. The dentist first takes impressions and pictures of the mouth and sends them to a dental lab. The lab technician then uses these impressions to make a mold of the artificial tooth.
Using a process called shade matching, the crown is designed to match the color of the adjacent teeth. The porcelain used to make realistic crowns is both chemical and stain-resistant. Therefore, the color of the material cannot be adjusted or whitened once the crown is placed. If patients are unhappy with the current shade of their teeth, a cosmetic dentist can whiten them to reach the desired hue and brightness before starting the dental implant process.
Not having a full set of teeth can make it difficult for patients to chew properly, and missing teeth may make a person hesitant to smile with confidence. While dental implants offered by a cosmetic dentist are not an immediate fix for lost teeth and smile improvement, they provide a long-lasting, attractive solution and are easy to care for. With proper maintenance and regular dental cleanings, implants can help patients achieve a full, beautiful smile for years to come.
Request an appointment here: https://sexton-dental.com or call Sexton Dental at (740) 363-2080 for an appointment in our Delaware office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Minor oral surgery is required for the placement of dental implants. An implant is an artificial tooth root placed in the jaw to replace lost roots that fall out when a tooth is lost. The importance of this cannot be overstated as it helps to preserve bone tissue loss in the jaw.Bone tissue loss is…
Understanding the importance of an oral cancer screening is necessary, especially for dental patients who smoke, drink alcohol, or spend a lot of time in the sun without using some protection. According to the Mayo Clinic, oral cancer screening aims to identify mouth cancer early, when there is a greater chance for a cure.Learning what…
Dental veneers are custom-fit shells made of porcelain or ceramic material. These restorations are easy to get, but you need to have the commitment to care for them. Knowing how long they last and how to maintain these restorations can help you prepare for a life of wearing these shells. Here are the details you…
You might want to head to a general dentist if you find yourself dealing with a cavity. Cavities are tiny holes that form on teeth because of tooth decay. Acids created by oral bacteria eat away at teeth surfaces, creating those tiny holes. Other symptoms include reoccurring toothaches, increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods,…
Minor oral surgery is required for the placement of dental implants. An implant is an…
Learn more about how oral cancer screenings work. This article outlines how common they are,…
Dental veneers are custom-fit shells made of porcelain or ceramic material.
A general dentist has many options to choose from when it comes to treating cavities.…
Implants can restore the full function of the mouth by improving the person’s chewing ability.…
Those that wear partial dentures can expect an easier eating experience, better speaking and an…