Dental Implants
Encinitas, CA
Not only can missing teeth impact the appearance of your smile, but it can also lead to serious complications such as bone deterioration, a misaligned bite, and crooked teeth. Fortunately, with advancements in the dental industry, people have more tooth replacement options than ever before. Dental implants are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry services that can restore your lost teeth completely. In fact, even with various other tooth restoration options, dental implants have become the industry standard for tooth replacement due to their uncanny resemblance and functioning capabilities to your natural teeth.
What is a Dental Implant?
An implant is basically a small metal post that is usually made of titanium that is surgically placed into the jawbone below the gum tissue. A dental implant serves as an artificial tooth root. Once the implant merges with the jawbone, the post is attached to an abutment that acts as a support structure. Finally, the abutment is topped off with a dental crown that is made to look exactly like your natural teeth.
The Dental Implant Process
Here is what a typical dental implant process looks like.
Consultation
Any dental implant process starts with a consultation. Since not everyone can qualify for implants, a consultation can help determine whether you need implants or not. The dentist will conduct a series of diagnostic tests to see if you’re a suitable candidate. Generally, since implant placement is a surgical procedure that requires anesthesia, you need to have good overall health. Secondly, implants require a significant amount of bone in the jaw. If you lack jawbone, then your dentist will probably recommend bone grafting. Moreover, those with gum disease or other serious oral problems don’t qualify for dental implants since it significantly lowers the chances of success.
Treatment Plan
Once your dentist determines that you are suitable for dental implants, they will develop an appropriate treatment plan. Almost all implant procedures entail two surgeries. In the first surgery, an incision will be made in your gum tissue to expose the underlying bone for the placement of the implant. You will then have to rest and wait for several weeks to allow the implant to fuse with your jawbone through the process of osseointegration. This process will create a concrete structure for the placement of the abutment and crown.
Abutment and Crown Placement
Once the osseointegration is done, a second surgery will be scheduled for the placement of the abutment, and once that is done, your dentist will take an impression of the area. This impression will be used to create a crown (usually made of out porcelain) that will look and function like your natural teeth.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Unmatched Smile Restoration
Dental implants offer the best smile restoration in comparison to all other cosmetic procedures. Made from aesthetically-pleasing materials such as porcelain, an implant can mimic the appearance of your natural tooth enamel.
UnmatchedComfort
Since dental implants are a permanent tooth restoration procedure, they become a part of you. So you won’t experience any discomfort that is usually associated with other procedures such as dentures.
Unparalleled Convenience
Dental implants are a permanent fix that does not require special attention. As long as you take care of them properly, they will look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.
High Durability
With proper care, dental implants can last many years. In fact, it may even last you a lifetime.
Schedule a Consultation Today! Give us a call at 760-632-9055 to find out more about dental implants and book your consultation appointment today.
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