From the process to a picture perfect smile

Life is full of accidents and mistakes from poor choices to injuries during sports or daily life. When one of those accidents or mistakes involves the loss of a tooth, it can be difficult to go with a gap in one’s smile. It is not just the appearance of missing one or several teeth but the sudden loss of functionality that one deals with as well. Fortunately, dental implants are a solution for both appearance and functionality.

The benefits to dental implants

Restoring a smile with a dental implant is more common than people may realize. “Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth and are designed to blend in with your other teeth,” mouthhealthy.org explains. The implant itself is made of titanium and can blend in effortlessly with the patient’s smile.

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry, AAID, shares that “More than 35 million Americans are missing all their teeth in one or both jaws.” The AAID also finds that 3 million people have dental implants and that the number is growing. Dental implants are a practical and almost permanent way to replace missing teeth.

A dental implant may cost quite a sum of money, but will be worth it in the grand scheme of things. With a dental implant, the patient can also enjoy the same foods as before and not worry about the implant sustaining damage from most foods. A dental implant gives patients the functionality and appearance of a natural tooth.

Another benefit of dental implants is that they “are the only dental restoration option that preserves and stimulates natural bone, actually helping to stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss,” the AAID adds. Dental implants also require the same amount of care as natural teeth do as well. The process for a dental implant is not too complex either.

The process of a dental implant

A patient who is hoping to restore his or her smile with a dental implant does not need to worry about a month or more of procedures and appointments. A dental implant procedure can take one or two appointments, depending on a few variables. Mouthhealthy.org breaks the dental implant process down into three main phases, including:

• Placing the implant in the gap
• Osseointegration
• Placing the artificial tooth over the implant

In the first phase, “the dentist surgically places the implant into the jawbone,” Mouthhealthy.org states. The dentist will ensure that the patient feels no pain during this procedure as the body will need some time to adjust to the titanium post. Mouthhealthy.org states that “What makes an implant so strong is that the bone actually grows around it and holds it in place.” This process is known as osseointegration.

Once the bone and implant have fused together, the dentist will begin the third phase. The dentist will place a dental crown over the implant. “The crown will be based on size, shape, color and fit, and will be designed to blend in with your other teeth,” mouthhealthy.org writes. Thanks to this fact, most will be unable to tell the patient has a dental implant in the first place.

Although appearance can be important to self-confidence, having the necessary functionality of a full set of teeth is just as important. A dental implant gives the patient both of those desires in only one or two visits. If you or a loved one needs a dental implant, do not hesitate to call and schedule a consultation today.

Casa Dental of Santa Ana

At Casa Dental of Santa Ana, in Santa Ana, CA, we will customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule. Our professional staff creates a calm atmosphere for you during the appointment and treatment process. If you have any questions or are unsure of what is causing the pain in your teeth, do not hesitate to call us.

We will answer any questions and make sure you get all of the necessary information. We can help prevent damage to your teeth and set you on track for a lifetime of pristine oral health. At Casa Dental of Santa Ana, your experience with us and your dental health are our prime concern.