Revive Your Smile with Dental Implants
At Sierra Dental & Orthodontics, our skilled dentists are experts in the field of Dental Implants. If you are thinking about getting implants for the first time, we collaborate with reputable Oral Surgeons to kickstart your treatment. If you are feeling insecure about gaps in your smile, dissatisfied with your dentures, or unsure about traditional bridges, talk to your dentist about the option of dental implants.
Looking to replace missing teeth? Dental implants are a great option that seamlessly blend in with your natural teeth. Made of titanium and other body-friendly materials, dental implants are a long-lasting solution for restoring your smile. These posts are surgically implanted in the jaw to provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth.
Patients often find dental implants to be secure, stable, and a reliable alternative to their original teeth. The process typically involves three phases:
- First, the oral surgeon will surgically place the implant(s) into the jawbone. Your dentist may recommend a diet of soft foods, cold foods and warm soup initially during the healing process.
- Next, the bone around the implant heals in a process called osseointegration. What makes an implant so strong is that the bone actually grows around it and holds it in place. Osseointegration means “combines with the bone” and takes time. Most patients need to wait until the implant is completely integrated, up to several months, before replacement teeth can be attached to the implant.
- Lastly, it’s time for the placement of the artificial tooth/teeth. For a single tooth implant, your dentist will customize a new tooth for you, called a dental crown. The crown will be based on size, shape, color and fit, and will be designed to blend in with your other teeth. If you are replacing more than a single tooth, custom-made bridges or dentures will be made to fit your mouth and your implants. (Note: The replacement teeth usually take some time to make. In the meantime, your dentist may give you a temporary crown, bridge or denture to help you eat and speak normally until the permanent replacement is ready.)
Before considering dental implants, it is important to have a thorough discussion with your dentist. If you are in good overall health, this treatment may be a viable option for you. Your health status is more important than your age when determining candidacy for implants. It is recommended to undergo a medical evaluation by a physician before scheduling any implant surgery. Chronic illnesses like diabetes or leukemia can hinder the healing process post-surgery, making patients with these conditions less suitable for implants. Additionally, smoking tobacco can delay the healing process.