If you have missing teeth, implants offer a permanent solution that can replace a single tooth, several missing teeth or an entire arch (upper and lower jaw). They also serve as anchors for bridges or dentures.
Unlike removable dentures, dental implants don’t require adhesives to stay in place, so you won’t have to worry about them falling out at night or when you brush and floss.
They’re made from titanium and ceramic, which are safe and biocompatible, meaning they don’t harm the tissue inside your mouth or cause allergic reactions. They’re very strong, durable and look completely natural in your smile.
Implants can last a lifetime with proper care, but they do need to be replaced periodically by dentists who specialize in dental implant surgery.
When you’re considering dental implants, it’s important to understand the different types of dental implants available, as well as your options for placement and restoration. Your doctor will recommend the right type for your needs based on several factors, including your overall health and the condition of your bone.
Your dental implant specialist may suggest other treatments, such as bone grafting, to help ensure your bone is healthy enough for an implant to hold up. This process may be done in conjunction with your implant procedure or as an independent treatment.
Bone grafting involves transplanting some of your own bone to your jawbone. The grafted bone will grow to fill in the space where the missing tooth is located and provide more support for your new dental implant.
It can take months to heal the grafted bone, so you might have a temporary replacement tooth or even a bridge until the graft has completely integrated with your jawbone. Once the bone has healed, your dentist can complete a permanent restoration on the implant.
A permanent replacement tooth, or crown, is attached to the top of the implant during a final surgery. The crown is made of porcelain, which mimics the color and appearance of a natural tooth.
The crowns are crafted in our lab, and they’re designed to fit seamlessly with your other teeth. You’ll have the opportunity to choose from several brands and colors of crowns, so you can get the perfect match for your natural smile.
If you’re interested in obtaining a permanent replacement tooth, contact our office today to set up an appointment with Dr. Damon T. Jenkins, DMD, MPH of Go2Dental Sarasota Florida to learn more about this excellent and life-changing procedure.
Your doctor will take X-rays and 3D images of your jawbone to plan the procedure, and you’ll also see models of your teeth and jawbone. The software allows your doctor to design a customized dental implant for your unique situation.
During the implant procedure, your doctor will make an incision to expose the underlying bone and place the metal post that will become the tooth root. Your bone will then heal and form a solid, long-lasting bond with the post.