12 Aug How an Oral Surgeon Can Restore Your Smile with Implant Dentistry
Suffering with tooth loss can have a profound effect on your daily life and your self-esteem. Although tooth loss is traumatic and distressing, there is hope. Our oral surgeon can help you restore your smile and your oral function with implant dentistry. Dental implants are lifelike prosthetics that provide a low-maintenance and durable alternative to conventional bridges and dentures.
This tooth replacement solution is unique because a dental implant is used to replace the roots of a tooth. Other conventional replacement teeth only address the loss of teeth’s visible surfaces. Replacing the roots and crowns of teeth is ideal because it protects the jawbones, promotes comfortable and lifelike oral function, and supports tooth-colored restorations and prosthetics that restore the smile’s aesthetics.
Implant Dentistry: The Basics
A dental implant is a small, cylinder-shaped prosthetic made of titanium. It features a tapered end and a ridged surface. Implants are embedded into the jawbone where the roots of teeth once were.
There are different types of dental implants. Some are used to address the loss of a single tooth while others are used to replace multiple teeth or a full arch. When it comes to multi-tooth replacement, dental implants are typically smaller in diameter than those used for single-tooth replacement.
The metal (titanium) from which implants are constructed is unique. Titanium can integrate with the body’s hard tissue. This means that over time, bone will fuse around an implant to hold it in place. The natural process of bone fusing to an implant is what makes these prosthetics durable and long-lasting.
Once implants are stabilized, permanent restorations and prosthetics are attached to their abutments to complete the smile restoration process. Dental crowns, bridges, and full or partial dentures can be anchored to dental implants. These restorations and prosthetics will provide a lifelike aesthetic and serve as the biting surfaces needed for eating food.
Implant dentistry has revolutionized the way that tooth loss is treated. If you would like to learn more about your treatment options, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Charlottesville Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center.
Content found on this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional judgement, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak with a professional if you have concerns about your oral health.