A Functional Tooth Replacement
A dental implant might be a good option if you're missing a single tooth or many teeth. A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is inserted into your jawbone to serve as an anchor for an artificial tooth.
A dental implant may offer several advantages such as:
- Feel natural and comfortable
- Improve chewing function
- Lead to a lower risk of cavities developing in nearby teeth
- Do not need to be taken out and cleaned every night
However, dental implants may not be suitable for everyone. The implants must bond with the jawbone, so a person's bones must be healthy before they can undergo implant surgery.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
When a tooth is absent, nearby teeth can move and create alignment problems. Additionally, the jaw bone in that area may deteriorate, leading to facial collapse or difficulties in eating and speaking.
What Does the Dental Implant Procedure Entail?
Dental implant surgery involves the placement of a small titanium screw, resembling a tooth root, into the jawbone. This screw serves as a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth or a dental crown.
Afterwards, the tissue will start to heal, and the implant will bond with the bone and attach to the gums.
Once the healing is complete, generally 3 to 6 months post-surgery, patients return to our office to complete the procedure.
At this final appointment, your dentist will attach a tooth replacement, such as a dental crown, bridge, or denture, to the implant to create the look and function of a natural tooth.
Dental Implants for Tooth Replacement
Dental implants closely resemble natural teeth in appearance.
Depending on your needs, and the number and position of your missing teeth, dental implants can be placed in the following ways.
-
Single Tooth Implants
You might have lost a tooth owing to an accidental injury, because of periodontal disease, or a congenital condition. This single tooth can be easily replaced by a single dental implant. Your newly restored tooth will appear and function much like your natural teeth.
-
Multiple Implants
Sometimes, a patient has lost more than one tooth. In these cases, if they still have healthy jaw bones, these teeth can be replaced by multiple tooth implants. If three teeth in the far back portion of the jaw are missing, the only solution is a fixed bridge anchored to dental implants.
-
All-On-Four Dental Implants
When all teeth are missing, and they should be replaced, a fixed denture anchored to dental implants is the best solution. The permanent, natural looking and the most cost-effective option is the all-on-four dental implants. Dental surgeons will place four implants on the jaw bone and then attach a full dental arch. Thus, it obtained this name.
-
Advantages of Dental Implant
For many people, dental implants can be an ideal tooth replacement option that provides a number of benefits, including:
- A very natural look that can help to improve the overall aesthetic of the smile, and boost smile confidence.
- An individual undergoing a dental implant procedure may find an improved level of speech
- Increased comfort when eating and speaking.
- Dentures need to be cleaned, removed and fixed from time to time which many people find annoying, whereas dental implants are relatively hassle-free, do not need to be removed, and are cared for by simply maintaining a thorough oral hygiene routine of including regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist.
Dentures tend to slip from time to time and may get loose with wear, whereas dental implants are fixed, permanent, durable and long lasting.
Smile Esthetics is pleased to offer dental implant services to patients in Victoria, BC and surrounding areas.
Contact our dentists to learn more about dental implants, the implant procedure and to receive an estimate for the cost of your dental implants.