Dental implants are the most permanent and natural way to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of a titanium form that is implanted into your jaw to mimic your normal root structure, and they are strong and stable enough to support a crown. They look, feel, and function like your own teeth, leaving you free to eat and speak normally. And they require no special dental hygiene—you will just brush and floss as usual.
The Two-Step Implant Process
The light, titanium root form is first surgically implanted in your jawbone. As the jaw heals, it encases the root form in bone through a process called osseointegration, actually integrating the form into your jaw. After it has bonded with your jaw, Dr. Yount will create a crown that looks as natural as your other teeth. Once the crown is placed, no one will be able to tell that you have a dental implant.
Preventing Bone Loss with Dental Implants
When you are missing one or more teeth, the body always absorbs the jawbone where they once were. This bone loss can lead to facial collapse, which you can see illustrated in the diagram to the right. Implants prevent this process because the root forms function like your natural roots, keeping the bone in place. Don’t worry if you’ve already had some bone loss, though. The surgeon can create a bone graft to give the root form a solid foundation.
Anchoring Dentures with Dental Implants
If all of your teeth are missing, choosing to anchor a full set of dentures with dental implants offers significant advantages. Traditional dentures rest on soft tissue, so they move around and can create denture sores or slip at embarrassing moments. Because they cover the entire palate, they can also interfere with the pleasure of eating and articulation when speaking. Just a few implants can be used to support each denture arch, creating a better experience.
You can find out if you are a candidate for dental implants. Just call our office or click here to fill out our request an appointment form. We will help you find a good time to come in for a brief complimentary consultation or a full exam.