Dental Implant Restoration Dentist Portland, OR
A dental implant restoration starts with an artificial tooth root. This artificial root is a titanium post implanted into the jawbone. Titanium is biocompatible, which allows the jawbone to fuse with the implant in a process called osseointegration. Once it is fully healed and integrated, an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment connects the implant to the prosthetic restoration. Lastly, the restoration, a crown, bridge, or denture is anchored to the implant using the abutment to complete the procedure, and restore a patient's smile.
A dental implant is the best form of tooth restoration available. With proper care, implants often last a lifetime. Also, dental implant restorations never slip, and there are no dietary restrictions. Traditional dentures and bridges require the avoidance of certain foods. Dental implant restorations mimic the natural teeth all the way down to the root. This restores normal chewing and speaking, and that restores our patients' confidence in their smiles.
What Are Dental Implant Restorations?
Dental implant restorations are advanced procedures used for tooth replacement that mimic the natural teeth all the way down to the root. A dental implant is a small, biocompatible titanium post that is surgically implanted into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. Over time, the implant fuses with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This provides a secure foundation for a prosthetic restoration. Once the implant has integrated successfully, the abutment is attached. Then a custom made dental crown designed to match existing teeth is attached to the abutment, and the restoration is complete.
The custom made crown provides a natural looking and highly functional replacement. Dental implant restorations offer numerous benefits, including improved chewing, and preservation of jawbone density. When teeth are lost, the roots no longer stimulate growth in the jaw. In addition, dental implant restorations are unmatched in their ability to mimic natural teeth in both looks and function. The return to normal chewing and speaking, and the natural look restores confidence in our patients.
Benefits of Choosing Dental Implants for Tooth Replacement
First, dental implants are an investment in a patient's oral health for the rest of their life. Dental implants are durable, and can last a lifetime with proper care. This makes them a cost effective long term investment in dental health. Traditional dentures and bridges require regular adjustments, and occasional replacement. These adjustments and replacements add up over time.
Also, dental implants provide a permanent and stable solution by integrating with the jawbone. This prevents bone loss, and maintains facial structure. Implant restorations look, feel, and function like natural teeth. This enhances comfort and confidence while eating, speaking, and smiling. Implant supported dentures are anchored securely, but traditional dentures are prone to slippage.
Also, dental implants do not require the alteration of adjacent teeth. This must be done to attach a traditional bridge. Choosing an implant supported bridge preserves the remaining natural teeth, which preserves dental health overall.
Lastly, implants provide improved and simplified oral hygiene. Dental implants are maintained just like natural teeth. Brushing and flossing stay the same after an implant procedure, unlike traditional dentures or bridges that require extra maintenance.
The Dental Implant Restoration Process: What to Expect
The first step in the dental implant restoration process is a comprehensive dental examination. We assess the overall health of the patient, evaluate the density of the jawbone, and the health of the surrounding tissues. If the patient is a good candidate, the dental implant surgery is performed under local anesthesia. A titanium post, or multiple posts, are strategically placed. Over a healing period of several months, the implant integrates with the jaw.
Once the implant has fully fused with the jawbone, an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment connects the implant to the crown, bridge, or denture. The restoration is secured to the abutment, and the procedure is complete.
Throughout the process, patients are evaluated at follow up appointments where we monitor healing, and address any concerns immediately. The dental implant restoration process offers a long lasting solution to replace missing teeth, allows the patient to return to normal eating and speaking, and it restores our patient's confidence in their smile.
Types of Dental Implant Restorations: Crowns, Bridges, and Dentures
There are several dental implant restorations tailored to meet individual needs. When a patient needs to replace a single missing tooth, a single dental implant with a custom crown restores their smile.
For patients who are missing multiple adjacent teeth, an implant supported bridge is the best choice. This starts with placing implants on each side of the row, then a bridge of prosthetic teeth is attached to the implants, and the form and function of that row of missing teeth is restored.
For patients who are missing all or most of their teeth, implant supported dentures offer a more secure alternative to traditional dentures. When we anchor dentures onto a few strategically placed implants in the jawbone, implant supported dentures provide improved stability, comfort, speech, and chewing ability. Choosing implant supported dentures over traditional dentures enhances that patient's confidence and quality of life.
How to Determine if You're a Good Candidate for Dental Implants
There are several factors that our team will assess during an evaluation to determine if a patient is a good candidate for dental implants. The primary consideration is the condition of the jawbone. Sufficient bone density and volume are required to support implants. Bone grafts may be required prior to placing implants.
In addition, overall health is crucial. Certain medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or immune disorders negatively affect the healing process. Healthy gums free of periodontal disease are required to ensure the success of dental implants. Our team also considers lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking. Smoking and drinking impair healing and increase the risk of implant failure.
However, the only way to know for certain that you are a good candidate for dental implants is to call the Sylvan Heights Dental team at (503) 297-1471 today to schedule an evaluation. |