A dental implant is a small biocompatible titanium post that serves as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. The implant is placed into the jawbone, fusing with the bone in osseointegration. Once this occurs, the implant can be used to support a crown to replicate the look and function of a natural tooth. At Willow Glen Dental Care, dental implants are the gold standard in replacing missing teeth because they offer many advantages over alternative treatments. For example, dental implants are more comfortable than dentures because they are permanently affixed to the jaw and function like natural teeth. As a result, they allow you to eat and speak normally.
Why Do I Need a Dental Implant?
There are many benefits of a dental implant, which can improve both your oral health and the appearance of your smile. A dental implant can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch of teeth. Most importantly, dental implants help preserve the jawbone and prevent bone deterioration. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone that once supported it begins to deteriorate and change shape. As the jaw deteriorates, it can negatively impact your appearance and cause discomfort. Many patients choose a dental implant to avoid having a removable denture that typically slips and makes chewing and speaking difficult. Dental implants allow you to have a fixed, comfortable, and natural-looking restoration. Patients with dental implants also report greater self-confidence in their appearance after the procedure is completed.
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the tooth’s root. The individual posts, known as abutments, extend from the implant and hold the restoration in place. Implants can be restored with dental crowns, bridgework, or dentures to restore your bite and smile.
A titanium post is inserted into the jaw during a surgical procedure. The oral surgeon makes a small incision in the gums and places the implant into the bone, where it will fuse with the surrounding bone tissue in a process called osseointegration. Once this process is complete, you’ll return to our office so the dentist can complete the process of placing the permanent restoration. Permanent restorations are custom created to fill in gaps and replace missing teeth. They are fixed to the dental implant using screws or the cement-retained method. Your dentist will help you choose the best plan for your needs and lifestyle.
If you’re missing teeth and want to find out if they’re the right solution, visit Willow Glen Dental Care at 1600 Willow St Suite 203, San Jose, CA 95125, or call dentist in San Jose CA (408) 978-0911 to schedule an appointment.
