Dental implants are considered the gold standard of tooth replacement. They’re beneficial to your oral health and feel natural, similar to your normal teeth. Dr. Stacey Hall of Williamsburg Center of Dental Health discusses the benefits of getting dental implants in Williamsburg, VA and why they can be the perfect solution for your missing teeth.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are made up of three separate parts. First, a titanium post is the part that’s actually placed in your jawbone. Then, a part called an abutment is attached to that post to serve as the connector for your final restoration. The final restoration can be a dental crown, dentures, or a dental bridge.
Why are Dental Implants Considered the Gold Standard?
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that replaces the tooth root. This is extremely beneficial for your oral health. Replacing the tooth root with that titanium post helps to spur the regeneration of jawbone growth. If you’ve suffered from bone loss due to missing teeth, this helps eliminate the facial sagging that comes with it.
Implants also provide stability that you may not get with other options. When you get dental implants, you don’t have to worry about adhesives being loose or struggling with restorations falling out at inconvenient times. You don’t have to comply with any diet restrictions and can take care of them with your normal oral healthcare routine of brushing and flossing.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
To be an ideal candidate for dental implants, you do have to be in decent health. We’ll review your medical history and have a consultation with you to discuss your general health and assess your oral health. If you have gum disease, this will have to be treated before getting implants. Any severely decayed teeth or fragments left where teeth are missing will be removed.
It’s important that you have a solid bone structure to support the implants as well. If the bone deterioration in your jaw is too severe, the titanium posts won’t have the support they need, even with spurring bone growth. Bone grafts may have to be done before you’re able to get dental implants.
The Dental Implant Process
If you’re approved for dental implants, the first step is getting those posts placed. Using CBCT imaging technology, we’re informed of any challenges that come up while we’re getting the posts placed. It also shows us the ideal area and angle for us to place the posts, ensuring that they’ll be in the ideal area for stability.
After the posts are implanted, you will have to heal before the process can be continued. It’ll take about 3-6 months for the bone to fuse completely with your jawbone. Then, the abutment can be attached. The soft tissues may need a bit of time to heal before proceeding with your final restoration.
Commonly, the dental restoration is a dental crown. However, dental implants may also be used to support a full denture, leading to it being sturdy and solid instead of the precarious nature of a removable denture. Implants can also be used to be the supporting ends of a dental bridge. This means no damage or wear on your natural teeth and a more stable restoration.
Dental Implants in Williamsburg, Virginia
Do you think dental implants can be the cure for your issues with missing teeth? Call us today or schedule an appointment online for your consultation with Dr. Hall.