Dental implants replace tooth roots, creating a strong foundation for replacement teeth. After the implant heals, our office fabricates a custom restoration (crown) to fit the implant.
Implants can also help restore a full smile with multiple missing teeth. In this case, our dentists attach a connector called an abutment to the implant body, and a lab-made crown is cemented onto it.
Aesthetics
Dental implants replicate the natural tooth in form and function. Unlike conventional bridges that require the sacrifice of adjacent healthy teeth to “bridge” the space, a single tooth implant Shelby Township MI restored with a crown replaces the missing tooth. They also do not slip like removable dentures, making it easy to eat and speak comfortably and with confidence.
The bottom part of the implant, which looks like a screw, is placed in your jaw during a brief in-office procedure under local anesthesia or i.v. sedation. The implant is made of titanium, a biocompatible material that your body will not reject. Over time the implant screw becomes firmly fused with your bone.
The top portion of the implant is abutmented to an artificial tooth during a short follow-up visit. Our office uses CBCT technology to ensure that the abutment and replacement tooth are properly placed without any complications. Same day teeth provide a temporary look and functionality while waiting for the implant to heal.
Stability
Unlike bridges that require the support of adjacent teeth, dental implants replace just the missing tooth without altering how you speak or chew. And because the implant mimics natural tooth roots, it stimulates bone growth to prevent deterioration and preserve the jawbone for a healthy smile.
After a brief period of healing, Dr. connects an abutment to the implant post to create a dental crown that matches your natural teeth in size, shape, and color. They may also use a dental implant to stabilize removable dentures, eliminating the need for messy denture adhesives and preventing embarrassing slippage while you eat and drink.
A single-tooth replacement using a dental implant can be permanent, and because it doesn’t compromise surrounding teeth, you’ll be able to eat all your favorite foods without worrying about discomfort or embarrassment. Moreover, you’ll have all the confidence of knowing that your new tooth will never shift, allowing you to keep your beautiful smile.
Function
Dental implants are the state-of-the-art tooth replacement solution that doesn’t rely on neighboring teeth for support like crown-&-bridge and dentures. Instead, they’re held by a dental implant that stimulates and maintains bone growth in the jaw. This helps prevent the deterioration that leads to a loss of jaw shape, a common cause for missing teeth.
If you’re missing one or more of your teeth and would like to learn more about this innovative restorative dentistry, contact us today. We’ll perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants.
We’ll use a combination of visual inspection, palpation (touching) and dental x-rays to assess the condition of your jaw bone and gum tissue. We can sometimes use a special type of x-ray called a cone beam CT scan for accurate, fast diagnostics and treatment planning. Typically, we can’t place an implant in just one appointment because it takes time for the bone and gum tissue to heal.
Maintenance
An implant is surgically placed in the place of the missing tooth. Once healed, a crown is topped on the implant to restore the look and function of your smile. Implants are cared for just like natural teeth and can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene.
Unlike bridges, which require the adjacent healthy teeth for support, single tooth implant Shelby Township MI are independent and do not interfere with nearby teeth. They also do not leave a space in which bacteria can harbor and lead to periodontitis.
The dental implant post is anchored in the jaw bone through a process known as osseo-integration. Once healed, a connector called an abutment is attached to the implant body to allow a laboratory-made restoration (artificial tooth or crown) to be cemented on top of it.