Implants

Dental implants are an artificial tooth root that is placed into the jaw bone to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are used to replace missing or broken teeth. They are composed of a titanium post and a porcelain crown or bridge. This implant fuses with the jaw bone, helping to prevent bone loss and gum recession that can occur when a tooth is missing. The dental implant process typically takes several months to complete but can have long-lasting benefits.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone and capped with a dental crown, bridge, or denture to restore a patient’s smile. What makes them special is that they’re the only tooth replacement option that mimics a tooth’s natural structure. This prevents bone loss in the mouth and allows the patient to enjoy their implant restoration for a long time.

During the initial visit, the implant post is surgically placed into the jaw, where it heals and bonds to the bone in a process called osseointegration. During recovery, patients will need to eat soft foods and receive adequate nutrition to support the healing site. After complete healing, the implant is restored with a natural-looking permanent crown, bridge, or denture.

Patients should not notice that they have a dental implant because it looks and functions just like a natural tooth!

For more information about how dental implants can restore your smile, contact our team today. We’d be happy to help you schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Horn.

**The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.**

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Are dental implants right for me?

Dental implants are an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth as a result of injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. Although they are more expensive than other tooth restorations like dentures and bridges, they provide superior benefits.

- They look and feel natural—implants are custom made to match your natural teeth, which makes them virtually indistinguishable from your healthy smile. No other restorative or cosmetic dentistry treatment can say that!

- They never slip out of place—unlike dentures or other tooth replacement options, implants stay securely in place and never shift around in your mouth. You don’t have to worry about embarrassing moments with implants!

- They are strong and durable—dental implants are made of titanium metal that is biocompatible, so you don’t have to worry about your body rejecting them. Additionally, the bonding agent that is used to secure them to your jaw is extremely strong. In fact, it’s stronger than your tooth enamel!

- They’ll actually strengthen your jawbone—the titanium posts that secure your implants are placed into the jaw bone, where they fuse with the bone through a process called osseointegration. This not only secures the implant, but it also keeps the jaw bone stimulated and strong to prevent future bone loss.

If you’re wondering if dental implants are right for you, call your dentist to schedule an initial consultation today. He or she can help you determine if they’re the right option for your needs.

- Your dentist may recommend getting bone grafting surgery before your dental implant procedure to strengthen the jaw and prepare it for the implant.

- You may be prescribed antibiotics to help minimize any risk of infection after the implantation process.

- It can take up to a year for the post to become part of the jaw bone. During this time, a temporary crown may be placed over the implant site to protect it.

Dental implant procedure explained

To place a new tooth, your dentist will first surgically insert the implant into the jawbone beneath the gum line. The implants fuse to the bone and act as an anchor for the artificial teeth. After the gums heal around the each implant post, you can return to the office to attach abutments and replacement teeth. Abutments are the connectors that join the replacement teeth and implants together. Your dentist will take impressions of the gums to craft the restorations. During your second visit, your dentist will check the fit of your teeth. When the restorations are secure, your dentist will bond them in place. Afterward, your smile will be complete! At-home dental care is essential for keeping your smile healthy and beautiful. You should brush twice a day for two minutes each session and floss daily to clean between teeth. You should also maintain regular appointments with your dentist for exams and cleanings. These visits give your dentist the opportunity to examine your oral health and treat conditions like gum disease before they become severe. It also gives the dentist an opportunity to monitor the health of your dental implant. Implants require the same diligent care as natural teeth to avoid issues like peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis is a disease that causes bone loss around dental implants. It occurs when bacteria accumulates around the implant posts and causes inflammation. With proper care at home and professional cleanings at the dentist’s office every six months, your implants can last a lifetime. Regularly scheduled dental visits also reduce the likelihood that you’ll need restorative dental treatments like fillings and crowns in the future. Routine examinations allow your dentist to catch decay early when it is still easy to treat. Fillings typically only last about five years before they need to be replaced, while dental crowns usually need replacing after seven to 15 years. Scheduling