Dental implants are a modern solution for replacing missing or damaged teeth, providing a long-lasting, natural-looking alternative to traditional dentures or bridges. If you’re considering dental implants, it’s essential to understand what they are, how they work, and why they might be the most suitable choice for your oral health. Discuss the idea with your dentist Sherman Oak, if you have ever considered dental implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a titanium post placed in the jawbone where a tooth is missing. As time passes, it integrates with the bone through osseointegration and thus forms a stable support for the replacement tooth. Once this implant is bonded to the bone, a crown, bridge, or denture can be placed to fully regain not only its functional form but also its aesthetic appeal.

The implant duplicates the actual structure of a tooth. Unlike the average denture placed on the gum line, dental implants replace a tooth's root to provide stability and strength in the foundation of the restoration.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

A First Consultation and Appraisal: Start with an initial consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon. This appointment is essential to enable the dentist or oral surgeon to examine your oral health, gums, and jawbone to assess whether you are a suitable candidate for dental implants. If the jawbone is too thin and about the thickness of paper, bone grafting could be suggested before the implant procedure.

Placement of the Implant: During the first stage of the treatment, the dentist places a small titanium post, known as the dental implant, into the jawbone beneath the gum line. This is usually done under local anesthesia, and the time the procedure takes varies with between one to two hours, depending on how many implants there are to be placed. Immediately afterwards, the bone takes about 3-6 months to heal and bond with the titanium post inserted into it.

Attachment of the Abutment: Once attached to the bone, an abutment is placed over the implant. This little connecting piece supports the restoration of the implant. Sometimes, an abutment can be placed as part of the first surgery; in other cases, a second procedure will be necessary.

Completion Placement of the Restoration: Once the abutment has been placed and your gums have healed, the final restoration, which could be a crown, bridge, or denture, is attached to the abutment. This restoration is then made to have custom-fit dimensions for size, shape, and colour to look like your natural teeth, thus restoring a smooth appearance like your original teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implant

Better Function: Your dental implants return full masticatory function and speech. They will not move or shift like your removable denture, which can provide you with more stability and comfort.

Natural Appearance: From a cosmetic standpoint, the implant is the most natural-appearing dental restoration. A crown or other restoration is constructed to blend perfectly with the surrounding teeth for a seamless, more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Durability: Dental implants last a lifetime if taken care of. The titanium posts resist decay, ensuring the long-term solution of missing teeth.

Preserve Bone Health: Compared to other tooth replacement options, a dental implant stimulates the jawbone from losing its bone, often resulting from missing teeth.

Conclusion

Dental implants Sherman Oaks are an excellent option to replace teeth in your mouth. They are very functional, long-lasting, and almost like a real tooth in your mouth. So, they will positively revitalise your smile and quality of life if you decide on them.