A dental implant is a titanium post inserted into the jaw to replace the root of a missing tooth. Once in place, it provides a stable foundation for the attachment of replacement teeth. Tooth replacements supported by dental implants are known as implant restorations.
After an implant post is placed, it fuses with the bone. This process is known as osseointegration and takes a few months. Over this time, the jawbone and surrounding tissues get a chance to heal and secure the implant post. The placement of the replacement tooth is the final step in a dental implant procedure.
Implant restorations are the closest tooth replacement option to natural teeth because they replace both the tooth's root and the part above the gum line. With proper oral care and regular visits to the dentist’s office, implants can last a lifetime. Implant restorations look and feel like natural teeth, offering patients renewed confidence in their appearance and improved oral function.
The Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants can be used to support restorations that replace one or more missing teeth. Depending on the type of restoration, one or more implant posts need to be surgically placed in the jawbone.
Before beginning the implant placement procedure, the dentist will administer anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable throughout the treatment process. The anesthetic will prevent you from feeling any pain or discomfort during your surgery. Next, the dentist will make an incision and place the implant in the jawbone. Once in place, the implant will fuse with the bone over the next few months. Once the integration process is complete, you will return to our office for the placement of your implant restoration.
Implant restorations are customized depending on your needs and look and feel completely natural. The most common types of implant restorations include implant crowns, implant-supported bridges, and implant-supported dentures.
The Benefits of Implant Restorations
Implant restorations are a permanent solution for missing teeth. They are the only solution that fully replaces a missing tooth, namely the root and the visible portion, completely restoring the tooth’s shape, strength, and function.
Implant restorations are the most natural-looking and most durable tooth replacement. Implants also help preserve the jawbone and prevent jaw and face structure deterioration. This prevents the sunken-in appearance commonly seen after tooth loss and helps restore an even, healthy look.
Because implant posts fuse with the jawbone through osseointegration, they become a permanent part of your jaw. This makes implant restorations the most reliable type of tooth replacement.
Visit Pacific Coast Dentistry at 143 Niblick Rd., Paso Robles, CA 93446, or call (805) 226-8126 to learn more about the benefits of dental implants.