Missing teeth can impact the appearance of the smile and make it difficult to speak, chew, and eat. Dental implant restoration is a method of replacing missing teeth that can improve the appearance of a patient's smile and restore the function of the teeth.
Implant restoration involves surgically placing artificial tooth roots into the jaw of a patient. The artificial roots are constructed from titanium and resemble screws. Artificial teeth are attached to the posts to replace the look and function of missing teeth.
You may be a candidate for implant restoration if you meet these criteria:
Traditional dentures or bridges used to replace missing teeth do not replace the tooth roots. Without the tooth roots to stimulate the jawbone, many patients lose bone mass which can change the shape of the patient's face, cause dental work to fit improperly, and interfere with chewing and speaking.
Dentures that do not fit properly can slide in the mouth making it difficult to speak and chew. Implants fuse with the jawbone, making them permanent. An implant restoration will not slide around in the mouth as traditional dentures may and does not require the use of adhesives to keep the restoration in place.
The durable material does not decay the way the natural teeth that support bridges and dentures may, and the implant procedure does not require altering the remaining natural teeth the way a tooth-supported bridge sometimes does. Many patients find implants to be more comfortable than removable dentures, and an implant restoration does not need to be removed for cleaning.
Implant restoration is a multi-step process that requires several months for most patients. The majority of this time is spent waiting for the jawbone to fuse to the implant as it heals. This usually takes six to 12 weeks. The process may take longer for patients who require a bone graft to prepare the jaw for implants.
Rarely, implant restoration surgery may result in an infection at the implant site. It may also injure or damage teeth, blood vessels, or other tissue near the surgical site, cause nerve damage, or create sinus problems. When these complications occur, they are usually treatable.
Most patients who have missing teeth are candidates for implant restoration if they have sufficient bone mass to anchor an implant and do not have other complicating health issues. However, the process can take several months to complete, so patients seeking faster restoration methods may want to consider alternatives.
Request an appointment here: https://www.elmstfamilydental.com or call Elm Street Family Dental at (541) 393-9196 for an appointment in our Albany office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implant Restoration in Albany, OR.
Any dental work that is done to repair missing or damaged teeth are types of dental restorations, which can include anything from minor fillings to full implants. How long these restorations take depends entirely on what kind of work is necessary. Some procedures can be performed in a single short appointment, while others might be…
Unlike general dentistry, which focuses on routine examinations and treatment, restorative dentistry is a specialization focusing on the repair or replacement of damaged or missing teeth. Bruxism is a fairly common condition that causes the clenching and grinding of teeth. While no single cause exists for bruxism, the results of teeth grinding are well documented.…
Thinking that you should get a smile makeover so you can feel great about the way you look when you smile? New dental technologies allow for many makeover options nowadays, which means you get to pick and choose how you want your smile to look. You can even have your smile made over in one…
When it comes to a smile makeover, most individuals must consider many options, such as what type of procedures to get, what type of dentist to visit, and how to get started. Continue reading to learn more about the process!This information can be a helpful guide to those who are considering or preparing to transform…
A dental bridge is a durable, fixed solution for those wanting to restore their smile…
Dental bonding is an efficient way to restore the appearance and function of teeth.
Invisalign® clear aligners can help you correct issues like protruding, misaligned, or crooked teeth.
For complete smile restoration, patients can undergo a full mouth reconstruction.
Visiting a cosmetic dentist is the first step to transforming the appearance of the smile…
Clear aligners are a popular teeth straightening method that can significantly improve minorly crooked teeth…
