Dental Implant Traditional dentures may help replace lost teeth, but they are not the only option. There is a better option that offers natural looking and feeling replacement teeth. These are dental implants. These prostheses provide an improvement in chewing ability and speaking besides enhancing the aesthetics of the mouth. The best part about dental implants is that they are permanent. Our dentist at The OC Smiles Family Dental choose to replace missing teeth with implants since they ensure stability and incredible functionality. They bring results that look, function, and feel just like real teeth.What Are Dental Implants?Dental implants are fixed long-lasting tooth replacement options. Dental implants combine a titanium implant with an attached tooth restoration to come up with a complete functional tooth. Dental implants are the most natural-looking of the teeth replacement options for lost teeth. Unlike removable tooth replacement prostheses like traditional dentures, dental implants provide durable artificial teeth. Whether you have tooth loss arising from injury, oral defects, decay, gum disease, or other issues, you can count on dental implants. Because of the unmatched security and stability provided by dental implants, they help reduce the risk of irritation in gums and eliminate slipping. Who is a Candidate?Candidates for dental implants will have a missing tooth or many missing teeth. Because the dental titanium post has to bond with the jawbone, a candidate should have sufficient jawbone mass to ensure proper support. Besides, candidates need to be in good overall health. Their gum tissue should be healthy. Dental Implant ProcedureTypically, the dental implant process has two stages. There is the surgical procedure, which is followed by the installation of the finished restoration. Our dentist will first insert a thin titanium rod into the jawbone and anchor it within the space of the lost tooth. The titanium rod acts as the artificial root of the replacement tooth. It helps keep the crown securely held in place. Around three to six months following the implantation process, the titanium rod has bonded with the jawbone, whereby it becomes a permanent part of the bone. During the healing duration, a temporary crown is fitted to fill the gap of the lost tooth. After the rod has bonded with the bone and healed we can attach your custom-fitting restoration. The final restoration is crafted to blend naturally with the nearby teeth. We create the crowns using digital implants obtained from a 3D imaging system. This way, we are able to create precise crowns that fit correctly. How Long Will My Dental Implants Last?The titanium rod is meant to remain intact, but implant restorations, including crowns, dentures, and bridges made of quality materials can last over 15 years or even for decades, with proper care. Practice proper dental hygiene, which involves twice-a-day brushing and flossing. You also need to undergo professional cleanings and exams, which typically happen every six months. You can use a mouth guard to protect your prosthesis if you habitually clench and grind your teeth or engage in contact sports. This way, you keep the dental implants in good shape for the long haul. Visit us at The OC Smiles Family Dental if you want dental implants. Call us at (971) 447-0093 to schedule an appointment to get started with your implant placement process. |
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