If missing teeth are keeping you from enjoying any of life’s great pleasures; eating, smiling, laughing and more, dental implants may be a great permanent solution to restoring your smile and quality of life. Unlike a bridge, no remaining teeth will require alteration to replace the missing tooth or teeth.
The entire implant process takes place over the course of a few months. The process begins with placing the implant itself. The implant hardware looks like a small screw with a round top. A small incision is made in the gum so that the implant can be inserted through the gums and into the jawbone. Multiple implants can be placed at once if necessary. After the implant is placed it will heal for a few months, during which time the jaw bone will fuse and form a strong bond with the implant. While the implant heals a temporary crown may be placed so that you can eat and speak normally.
After the implant has healed an abutment will be placed as a base for the new tooth. An impression of the abutment will be taken. This impression will be the guide to creating the permanent replacement tooth. Once created, the replacement will be unique and fully customized to best fit your mouth, both naturally and comfortably. Your restored smile will look just like it used to, and after a short period of getting used to the implant it will feel just like one of your own teeth. Don’t hesitate to call Deerfield Family Dentistry if you have any questions about whether dental implants could be the solution to restoring your smile!