If you’re missing one or more teeth, you may be considering dental implants as a solution. At Gentle Dental Hawthorn, we have found dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth, and they offer a number of benefits over other tooth replacement options.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed into your jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. The implants are typically made of titanium, which is a biocompatible material that fuses with your jawbone over time. This creates a stable foundation for the replacement tooth or bridge.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
There are several benefits to choosing dental implants to replace missing teeth:
- Improved appearance: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, and they can improve your smile and overall appearance.
- Improved speech: Missing teeth can cause difficulty with speech, but dental implants can help you speak more clearly.
- Improved comfort: Dental implants are comfortable and don’t slip or move around like dentures can.
- Improved eating: Dental implants allow you to eat your favorite foods without difficulty.
- Improved oral health: Dental implants don’t require the removal of healthy tooth structure like bridges do, and they can help prevent bone loss in your jaw.
- Long-lasting: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
How are dental implants placed?
The dental implant procedure typically involves several steps:
- Consultation: Gentle Dental Hawthorn will evaluate your oral health and determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants.
- Implant placement: The implant is placed into your jawbone during a minor surgical procedure. Over the course of several months, the implant will fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration.
- Abutment placement: Once the implant has fused with your jawbone, an abutment is attached to the implant. The abutment is a small connector piece that holds the replacement tooth or bridge in place.
- Replacement tooth or bridge placement: Finally, the replacement tooth or bridge is attached to the abutment.
