Missing teeth are not fun for anyone. They affect how you eat, talk, and the way you feel about yourself. Here at Alpine Dentistry, we offer several restoration procedures, and dental implants are one of the popular procedures. A dental implant is the best way to replace a missing tooth, as the result will be permanent and natural. Over time, you will not even know that you have a dental implant in your mouth. If you are in Alpine, Utah, and are looking for a way to replace a missing tooth, we invite you to come into our office today for a consultation on how an implant can help you!
The Implant Procedure
A dental implant consists of three different parts, all of which are surgically installed at separate times. The three parts are the post, the abutment, and the crown.
The post is the first piece to be installed. The post looks like a metal screw that will be surgically placed into the jaw bone of your mouth. The dentist will begin by cutting open the gums, exposing the bone. Using a small dental drill, a hole will be created in the jaw bone. The post will then be placed in the whole. Your mouth will need time to heal around the post, securing it in place. The post will act as the new root of your tooth.
After the post has been placed, the abutment will be fastened on top. The abutment is the connecting piece between the post and the crown and is what secures the crown on top. The placement of the abutment is a lot simpler than the post, but your mouth, specifically your gum line, will need time to heal as well. You will be given a temporary crown until you can receive the real crown.
The crown is the final piece to the dental implant. The implant will have been custom made to your desired shade and shaped to match the other teeth in your mouth. Once the crown is secured, you may experience some sensitivity in your mouth, but the implant will be complete and ready to use.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- A dental implant will look and feel like your real teeth. No one, even you, will be able to tell that it is artificial.
- Restoring the root of your tooth will help the overall health of your jawbone. You will avoid bone deterioration.
- Your eating and speaking ability will be improved and your self-confidence will boost.
- If a dental implant is taken care of correctly, it will last you decades.
If you have one or more missing teeth, please come into our office today to see if you qualify for a dental implant. Your jaw bone needs to be strong and healthy enough to support the implant. We would love to have you in for a consultation! At Alpine Dentistry, we are dedicated to helping you gain the perfect smile.