For patients with badly damaged or missing teeth, dental implants are the best way to not only replace both tooth and root, but also to stimulate the jaw and soft tissue at the implantation site, strengthening the bone and preventing further damage to the surrounding teeth. If you wish to restore the appearance and integrity of your smile with dental implants, contact Walnut Dental, your family dentist and orthodontist in Walnut Creek, CA. We help every patient achieve a healthy and happy smile!
What Is A Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw that is placed in the jawbone where a missing or damaged tooth used to be. Once healed, an extremely lifelike, custom-made crown is attached to the screw to become your new, beautiful tooth. Crowns are made from porcelain, ceramic or resin to perfectly match the appearance of your other teeth, and the implantation procedure is very easy, usually requiring only local anesthetic.
Tooth Replacement Options
Implants can transform your smile in a variety of ways. They may be used to:
- Replace One Tooth — When you have one tooth missing, a single implant is inserted into the bone, between natural teeth. This treatment is the most effective and best long-term investment for replacing a single missing tooth. Even if the initial cost is slightly higher than other options, it is the most cost-effective solution over time.
- Replace Multiple Teeth — When you have more than one tooth missing, you do not need to get an implant for every missing tooth. Instead, two implants provide the anchor for fixed bridgework, meaning, two implants support a row of dental crowns between them, to fill a large gap without the need for many screws.
- Replace All Teeth — Implants can support an entire arch of permanent replacement teeth, in the upper or lower jaw. Sometimes the new teeth can be supported by as few as 4 implants, and in cases where jawbone density and volume have deteriorated, 5 or 6 implants can be used to support a row of 10 to 12 teeth.
- Support Removable Dentures — Implants can make traditional dentures more comfortable and sustainable to wear. Dentures are usually worn over the gums, putting pressure on the bone underneath, and actually causing bone loss over time. When you have an implanted support for your dentures, they do not apply pressure and are held firmly in place. The implants also stimulate the jawbone and prevent deterioration.
Implant Care & Maintenance
Once an implant is successfully fused, the only way it can fail is with improper care and prevention.
- Poor oral hygiene and a lack of regular cleanings can lead to peri-implantitis, a destructive bacterial infection. Prevent peri-implantitis by flossing and brushing daily, and receiving regular dental cleanings.
- Excessive biting force can damage implants, and is usually a result of clenching or grinding your teeth, or an insufficient number of implants to handle the forces generated by your bite. If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, a night guard will be recommended to protect your implants.
Contact Your Cosmetic Dentist
For all cosmetic dental needs, Panoramic Dental has you covered. If you are missing teeth and interested in dental implants, please contact us for more information, our team can't wait to restore your beautiful smile. Request an appointment at our Walnut Creek, CA office today!