A dental implant is often considered to be the gold standard solution to tooth loss. Implants are a permanent tooth replacement that both look and function just like real teeth. They can be customized to your smile so that you can enjoy a smile that looks natural and functions like a healthy mouth. Dental implants can be used to replace anywhere from one tooth to an entire mouth of missing or failing teeth. Our team at Old Greenwich Dental Center can evaluate the state of your mouth and let you know if dental implants are right for you. If this sounds like a solution that will help you enjoy life again, schedule a consultation for dental implants in our Old Greenwich, CT office today!
The Parts of an Implant
A dental implant is typically composed of three parts; a titanium post, a lifelike dental crown, and an abutment to connect everything together. The titanium post is placed below the gum line and into the jaw bone to securely hold the new tooth in place and prevent bone deterioration. The abutment piece sits atop the implant post and rests over the gums. Finally, the dental crown will attach to the abutment and give you a complete and fully functional smile.
Why Replace Missing Teeth with Dental Implants
When you have a missing tooth, it impacts your oral health more than just giving you a gapped smile. The roots of your teeth stimulate the jaw bone beneath the gums. If you are missing a tooth, this bone serves no purpose anymore and will begin to naturally recede. This will give you an uneven jawline and eventually cause surrounding teeth to shift into the gap, making your bite become uneven. While dental bridges offer a solution to replacing missing teeth, they do not replace the tooth root, so in years to come, the bone under the bridge will begin to recede. Implants actually replace the missing tooth root with a biocompatible titanium post. This will not only prevent your jaw bone from receding, but also provide a firm and permanent hold within your mouth. A dental implant can be used for years to come just like a natural tooth!
The Implant Process
Dental implants are a surgical procedure that requires expert planning and experience. Our doctors at Old Greenwich Dental Center are experienced at restoring smiles with implants and can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Your doctor will take a comprehensive look at the state of your mouth, including which teeth need to be replaced, the bone volume, health of the gums, and if any other teeth need to be replaced. If bone grafting or gum disease treatment is required, that will be done prior to surgery. On the day of surgery, your jaw will be numbed and you may receive sedation to help block anxiety and any sensations of discomfort. The implant will be surgically placed within the bone and allowed to heal for several months. Once the implant is healed, an abutment is placed and the dental crown soon after. Your dental crown will be expertly crafted to blend in seamlessly with your smile and match surrounding teeth, giving you a natural look and functional smile.
If you are interested in replacing your missing or failing teeth with dental implants in Old Greenwich, CT, call our office to schedule an appointment today!
