What is an implant?
An implant is a tiny titanium screw that’s surgically implanted into your jawbone where you’re missing a tooth. Titanium is biocompatible with the human body, so your implant actually fuses with your bone as you heal from your surgery. This allows it to function just like an artificial tooth root, providing a strong and sturdy foundation that the dentists at Smile Dental Clinic can cap off with a beautiful restoration, like a crown, a bridge, or dentures.
What are the benefits of implants?
Dental implants are the most advanced tooth replacement option available today, and have a number of benefits, including:
- Incredibly comfortable and natural-feeling
- Installed without removing enamel from your natural teeth
- Provide stimulation to your jawbone, preventing bone loss and maintaining the shape of your face
Dental implants also have an incredibly high success rate of 98%, and can last for a lifetime if properly cared for.
What is the process of getting an implant?
First, your Smile Dental Clinic dentist takes an X-ray of your mouth to determine precisely where in your jaw to place your implant. Once they’ve decided on a site, they numb your mouth with a local anesthetic, make a surgical incision in your gum, and drill a small hole in your jaw. They place your implant, then stitch you up and send you home to heal.
Over the next few months, your implant fuses with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. After your implant fully fuses, you come back for another visit, where your dentist places your abutment. The abutment is a tiny post that connects to your implant and sticks up out of your gum line, where it attaches to your restoration. In some cases, your dentist can actually place your abutment in the same surgery that she places your implant.
After you’ve healed from your abutment placement, they take an impression of your mouth that they use to make your same-day crown or a bridge or dentures. Once they seal your restoration in place, you’ll have a newly restored smile that will have you eating, speaking, and smiling with confidence again!
Make your missing teeth a problem of the past by scheduling an implant consultation at Smile Dental Clinic today. You can book your visit by phone or online.
