Dental Implant Restorations

We all want to have a beautiful and confident smile. Unfortunately, losing one or more teeth can discourage a person from smiling and may cause him or her to feel awkward and insecure when around other people. But aside from self-esteem issues, there are also other consequences of teeth loss. These include TMJ disorder (constant jaw pain), difficulty chewing and speaking problems. In the long run, missing teeth can also cause the cheeks to become hollow and saggy.

At Cherry Creek Dental Spa, we may recommend implant restorations to patients with missing teeth. A dental implant is basically an artificial tooth root that will be used to anchor a replacement tooth (dental crown) or a bridge. Dental implants look and feel like real teeth, and best of all, they are a permanent solution to missing teeth.

The Procedure

Although dental implants are the ideal answer for those who need replacement teeth, they’re not for everyone. Your dentist can assess your mouth structures and determine whether you should consider implant restorations.

Dental implants require surgery. Your doctor will cut through your gum line and position the implant (titanium post) into the jawbone. The implant will then be covered and allowed to fuse with the bone in a phase called osseointegration, which takes about 6 to 8 weeks.

Once the implant has bonded with the jawbone, your dentist will uncover the implant and place an abutment which will be used to connect the implant to the replacement tooth (crown). The crown will then be made and attached to the post.

It can take up to 9 months for the implant restoration process to be completed. It really depends on how quickly/slowly the healing will take as well as the fitting of the replacement teeth.

The success rate for dental implants would depend on the location and function of the tooth in your mouth, along with your overall health. Generally, however, dental implants have a 98% success rate.

Caring for Dental Implants

Dental implants are permanent replacement teeth and with proper care, they can last for a lifetime. It’s important that you care for your dental implant in the same way you care for your teeth. You need to properly brush and floss twice a day and follow your dentist’s instructions on how to care for them.

Do you want to enhance your smile and take years off your face? Dental implant restoration may be the answer. Please call our office and schedule an appointment with Dr. Goodpaster to discuss your concerns.