Dental Implants

If you have one or more damaged or missing teeth, dental implants could be an ideal solution for restoring your smile. Dental implants are permanent replacements for natural teeth. They consist of titanium posts that are surgically placed in the jaw as an artificial root to support a prosthetic tooth. Through a process called osseointegration, the jawbone adhere itself to the implant so that it becomes anchored, providing a strong, secure foundation for the new teeth.

Implants have the strength, stability, and natural appearance of real teeth, and can replace a single-tooth, multiple-teeth, or a full upper or lower arch (known as an implant-supported denture). They look and function just like real teeth, and in some ways may be better than natural teeth since they will not decay.

How are dental implants placed?
Generally, the implant process is done in two steps. First, the implants are placed and you are fitted with a temporary tooth, bridge, or denture while your permanent one is created in a dental lab. Then your permanent appliance is attached.

However, advances in implant dentistry now allow for permanent implants to be placed in just one visit using the Immediate Load Implant Procedure. Imagine getting a new, greatly improved smile in just one day! Your dentist will discuss your options with you to determine the best type of implant for your situation.

Benefits of dental implants
Implants offer a number of benefits over traditional tooth replacement options such as standard bridges or dentures. For example, dental implants:

• Look and feel completely natural, improving your appearance and confidence
• Don’t irritate the gums the way dentures can
• Are stable and secure for improved eating and speech
• Are convenient and reliable—and can’t be lost or misplaced like dentures
• Help protect remaining teeth from shifting and becoming loose by filling in the gap left by missing teeth
• Help maintain fullness of the facial tissues for a more youthful look
• Can stimulate bone growth, helping prevent the unattractive “bite collapse” that denture wearers can suffer from
• Are strong enough to support other dental appliances, making bridgework or dentures more secure and comfortable
• Are permanent, and can last a lifetime with proper care

With all of these benefits, it’s easy to understand why dental implants are gaining in popularity and have become the gold standard for tooth replacement.

Please contact us at our dental office today to learn more about how dental implants might benefit you. We proudly serve Norwood, Walpole, and surrounding areas.