Dental implants are artificial teeth that replace missing teeth. Dental implants consist of three parts:

• Titanium root, which is affixed to the jawbone
• Abutment that extends from the root to above the gumline
• Crown, a lookalike tooth that fits over the abutment

Dental implants are one option for tooth replacement. Unlike bridges and dentures, they provide the most natural-looking, permanent solution.

What Happens During a Dental Implant Procedure?

First, your dentist performs an exam and takes X-rays to determine the course of action. The first step for implant involves surgically placing the titanium root in the jawbone. The dentists at Sunrise Dental use local anesthetics and offer sedation dentistry to make you as comfortable as possible during the procedure.

After surgery, you let your jawbone heal for several months before finishing the rest of the procedure. During the healing process, your jawbone heals tight around the titanium base, anchoring it in place.

When you come in for your next appointment, your dentist fits you for a permanent crown. The lab designs the crown to blend in with your other teeth, so no one knows it’s artificial.

Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

As long as you have sufficient jawbone density and you’re committed to proper dental care, you’re probably a good candidate for dental implants. Dental implants don’t protect your mouth from decay or gum disease, so good dental hygiene is still necessary.

Diabetes and leukemia interfere with the healing process required for implants to work, so anyone with those issues should consult with their doctor and dentist to determine if they can have dental implants. The dentists also discourage tobacco use for anyone who wants implants.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants don’t require any specialized care. You can brush, floss, and rinse like you normally do. You don’t need to use any special rinses or solutions. You also won’t be restricted from eating any of your favorite foods because implants restore full eating function.

Dental implants also restore your appearance. Your dentist works diligently to match the shape, size, and color of your new tooth to the rest of your smile. You don’t have to suffer the embarrassment of unsightly gaps or obvious work done to your teeth.

Implants also promote jawbone health. Without your original or replacement tooth, the jawbone underneath starts eroding, and the other teeth start shifting around. Instead, dental implants encourage jawbone growth and relieve the stress from surrounding teeth.

If you’d like to discuss dental implants with one of the experts at Sunrise Dental, schedule a consultation by phone or online to get the process started.