Tooth Replacement with Dental Implants

When you are missing one or more teeth, you naturally want to replace the tooth or teeth with a natural-looking substitute. Dental implants are a popular way to replace one or more missing teeth because they are the closest match to the appearance and function of your natural teeth.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are made from titanium, titanium alloy, or another biocompatible substance. These roots are typically implanted directly into your jaw, where over time the jaw bone will grow over them in a process known as osseointegration. Once the jaw bone has completely healed, the implant becomes a permanent feature of the jaw structure. The Beverly Hills dental implants dentist can then complete the process by adding a crown, or artificial tooth.

Dental implants offer several advantages over bridges or dentures for replacing one or more missing teeth. Because the implants are usually placed directly in the jaw, they are more permanent than a dental bridge, which is usually held in place by filing down the adjacent teeth, clipping or bonding the bridge in place, and capping the adjacent teeth with dental crowns. Implants do not require damaging or altering the adjacent teeth, which is another advantage. Dental implants do not shift or move as dentures can, and they will not affect your speech. In addition, implants do not require special adhesives or cleaners. Simply brush and floss them like your regular teeth.

These implants are an excellent solution for replacing missing teeth for many people. However, they are not for everyone. Dental implants are not appropriate for children because their jaws are still growing and changing. In addition, patients who smoke or chew tobacco may not be ideal candidates for dental implants unless they can refrain from using tobacco while the implant heals. Patients with periodontal disease or other oral health conditions typically need to have the condition remedied before they can have implants placed to avoid causing complications with the procedure. Finally, pregnant women may need to wait to deliver their babies before they can have a dental implant placed. Their increased blood flow may make the surgery difficult, and the anesthetic may affect the baby.

If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, contact your local implant specialist. He or she can examine the area of the jaw where the tooth is missing and form a treatment plan for replacing the missing tooth. If you are a good candidate for dental implants, he or she can explain the type of implant you need and what you can expect during the treatment process.