What are dental implants?
What are dental implants?
The Smile Company - Dental Implants - FAQs
The Smile Company - What are the main parts of a dental implant?
The Smile Company - How long do dental implants last?
A dental implant is a small metal post that replaces a missing tooth. During a simple surgical procedure, the dentist places the implant directly into the bone beneath your gums where the missing tooth once was. The implant serves as a secure foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture, creating a result that feels and functions just like a natural tooth.
Getting a dental implant is a significant step. You may be considering it but feel unsure about what is involved. We are here to help you understand every part of the process so that you can feel confident in your decision.
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Why you might need dental implants
Your natural teeth do more than just help you chew and speak. They also support the height and shape of your face, helping to maintain a full and youthful appearance.
When a tooth is lost, the gap it leaves behind can lead to other teeth shifting out of alignment. This can affect your bite, make it harder to clean your teeth properly, and increase your risk of decay, gum disease, and jaw discomfort. In fact, losing even one tooth can set off a chain reaction that impacts your oral health, the shape of your face, and your overall well being.
Even if these changes are not immediately noticeable, one effect is guaranteed: bone loss. Known as bone resorption, this natural process occurs when the body begins to break down unused bone tissue to reallocate its minerals. Teeth normally stimulate the jawbone during chewing, keeping it strong and active. Once a tooth is gone, the bone in that area no longer receives stimulation and slowly begins to shrink. This can lead to a shorter jawline, sagging cheeks, and deepened facial lines.
Dental implants are the closest replacement to natural teeth. By placing an implant into the jawbone, you help preserve your facial structure, protect your oral health, and restore the look and function of your smile.
Benefits of dental implants
- Restore a natural look
Implants are custom made to match your existing teeth. The size, shape, and color are carefully selected so that your implant blends perfectly with your smile. - Built in comfort and security
Your jawbone naturally bonds with the titanium post, creating a secure anchor for your crown or denture. Once healed, the implant does not move. You can chew, smile, and laugh without thinking twice about it. - Support for bone health
Implants stimulate the bone in your jaw, which helps prevent deterioration. This keeps your jaw strong and your facial structure supported. - Long lasting results
With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, dental implants can last for decades and continue to feel just like your natural teeth.
Dental implant restorations
The implant itself is the anchor, hidden beneath the gums. The visible part, the restoration, is what creates the appearance of a new tooth.
- Dental crown: Used when replacing a single missing tooth with an implant
- Dental bridge: Used to fill gaps where several teeth are missing, supported by one or more implants
- Implant denture: A removable denture that clips securely onto a few implants for improved comfort and stability
A new life with dental implants
Once your implant is complete, your smile will not only be restored, it will be stronger and more functional than before.
Caring for an implant is easy. Brush and floss it like a natural tooth. Wear a mouthguard during sports, and visit us regularly for checkups. With consistent care, your implant can last a lifetime.
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How it feels
Although the idea of placing a metal implant into the bone may sound uncomfortable, the procedure is often easier than expected. We use local anesthetic to numb the area, and modern dental technology allows for fast, accurate, and gentle treatment.
Most implant surgeries take less than an hour. Patients often describe the experience as surprisingly relaxing. The most challenging part is simply holding your mouth open for a few minutes.
Afterward, some swelling or tenderness is normal, but this is usually mild and easy to manage with basic care. We will provide detailed instructions so you can begin managing your recovery before the numbness wears off. Most patients feel significantly better within one week.
Dental implants have a success rate of around 95 percent, making them one of the most predictable and successful procedures in dentistry.
Your dental implant treatment journey
Assessment
We begin with a consultation. X-rays and a 3D scan are taken to assess your bone structure and plan your implant placement. Impressions or scans of your teeth help guide the precise angling of your implant.
Inserting the implant
After numbing the area, the dentist creates a small space in the bone where the implant will go. The post is placed into this space and may be followed by stitches, depending on the situation.
Placing the restoration
You will go home to allow the implant to heal and integrate with your bone. After a few months, you return to have your crown, bridge, or denture attached, completing your new tooth.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The implant post is hidden under the gum line, and the visible restoration is custom made to match your natural teeth.
Most patients return to work the next day. We will let you know in advance if your specific treatment requires more recovery time.
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