Tooth loss presents a number of problems for dental patients, ranging from the aesthetic to the structural. This is why it’s so important to treat tooth loss in a timely manner. A replacement tooth will help you smile with confidence again, and it will help you avoid a number of oral issues that accompany tooth loss.
Today our Saint Louis dental implant dentists are going to give you some more information about how these replacement teeth work. Read through this short Q & A to learn more!
Q: What do dental implants look like?
A: Once your dental implant is complete and in place, it will look just like a natural tooth! Every part of the implant restoration is customized to look natural for the individual. The shape, size, and color of your replacement tooth will mimic your real teeth. Many people are shocked at just how natural-looking dental implants end up being.
Q: How does my dental implant stay in place?
A: You probably already know that certain types of replacement teeth, like dentures and bridges, sit on top of the patient’s gum tissue. Dental implants are different; these restorations are actually permanently anchored in the patient’s jawbone with titanium screws, or “roots.” Because the dental implant extends down into the patient’s maxillofacial structure, the replacement tooth becomes an integral part of the smile as a whole.
Q: How long does it take to complete dental implant treatment?
A: This will depend on which type of implant treatment you choose to pursue. Mini dental implants and implant-stabilized dentures, for example, can be completed quite quickly, because the titanium screws used are thinner than conventional implant screws. If you go with a full-sized implant, we will need to wait for a month or two after we insert the titanium base for your jaw and gum tissues to heal. Once the implantation site has healed, we will attach the restoration to the implant root.
Every dental implant treatment plan is slightly different. We personalize these replacement teeth to fit our patients’ respective needs. So, the best way to get started is to give our Saint Louis dental implant dentists a call to schedule a personal consultation to learn more. We look forward to speaking with you!