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.
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