What Are Dental Implants?
Missing teeth can affect your speech, make it difficult to chew properly, contribute to bone loss and allow your remaining teeth to shift out of alignment. Implants have gained popularity in recent years for the simple reason that they are better tooth replacements than nearly any other method.
With a porcelain crown, they’re so real in appearance and function, even you may forget which is the replacement tooth. Not everyone is a good candidate for dental implants, so call dentistry Stamford to find out if you qualify.
The loss of a tooth — from accident, disease or extraction — increases the risk of other dental problems. Depending on the location of the lost tooth, you may notice discomfort, movement of your other teeth or even a sunken facial appearance. Changes to your face happen because you lose not only the tooth, but also the bone in your jaw. Normally, the tooth’s root stimulates the jawbone to continue regenerating; without it, your jaw stops renewing and starts degrading.
Dental implants are a long-lasting tooth replacement. implant-supported dentistry brings you as close to growing new teeth as possible. Expertly placed in the same bone that once supported your tooth roots, implants look and feel like natural teeth. Embedded in your bone, they’re securely anchored, and the porcelain crown produces a life-like result.
An excellent choice for one or more missing teeth, implants can hold dentures as well. You’ll enjoy the stability and develop a sense of confidence with implants. The fusion of the implant to your jawbone not only provides a firm, stable foundation for replacement teeth, it also stimulates your bone to continue regenerating.
Types of Implants
At dental implant center Stamford, CT, restorative dentistry takes a thoroughly modern approach. Digital x-rays and 3D mapping and models provide the technology needed to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. Depending on the number of teeth you’re missing, your Stamford dentists may recommend one of two types of implants:
- Single tooth implant. After determining your bone health and density, your restorative dentist may suggest a single tooth implant if you’re missing just one tooth. This type of implant consists of one surgically implanted post and an attached crown.
- Denture implants. Missing multiple teeth doesn’t have to mean an uncomfortable conventional bridge or denture appliance. Your dentist can implant two or more posts to hold a mounted bridge or plate. This approach keeps the surrounding teeth healthy and uncompromised. Denture implants are permanent or removable.
If you have a weak or degraded jawbone, you’re not automatically disqualified from getting implants. But you may need a bone graft first. The graft procedure is dental surgery, to encourage less dense bone areas of your jaw to develop a more solid foundation for a tooth implant.
Ideal Candidates for Dental Implants
Dental implants don’t work for everyone. You may be an ideal candidate if you:
- Have healthy gum tissue
- Can’t tolerate traditional bridges
- Can’t or won’t wear dentures
- Are a non-smoker
- Enjoy good overall medical health
- Practice regular oral hygiene habits
- Have a fully developed jawbone with little degradation
- Are willing to invest the time required for the implant to fuse to the bone
The advantages of dental implants come from their realistic look and natural function. Implants won’t slip, damage your other teeth, cause bone damage, result in jaw pain or make any noise. These issues can be consequences of dental bridges or dentures.
The Procedure for Implants
Many patients find the procedure of implant placement easier than they anticipated. Various types of sedation are available to eliminate any pain and maintain your comfort level. Although your Stamford dentist customizes every tooth replacement treatment, you can expect the procedure to include some or all of these steps:
- Removing any damaged tooth or root material
- Preparing the jawbone with a bone graft, if needed
- Numbing the area with some level of anesthesia
- Creating a tiny guide hole for threading the small implant cylinder
- Placing the titanium dental implant into your jaw below the gumline
- Protecting the implant while it heals, usually in three to six months
- Giving you a temporary crown when possible
- Adding an abutment or post onto the screw-like implant once it’s healed
- Molding a crown that resembles your other teeth and placing it onto the abutment
Your dentist in Stamford may be able to combine some of these steps. For affordable dental implants, for example, your dentist places the abutment and your new crown in the same visit. This immediate implant placement helps reduce dental implant costs and speed up recovery times.
As with any dental procedure, your overall health contributes to the success of your treatment. Tell your best implant dentists in Stamford about health concerns from diabetes, tobacco use, cancer treatments or any immune suppressant conditions. For quality care and treatment to improve your smile as well as your dental health, contact Stamford Dental Arts. We’ll help you determine the most appropriate and affordable dental implant for you.
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