Made of titanium and resembling a screw, a is designed to act as an artificial tooth root that provides much needed stimulation in the jaw after tooth loss. Dental implants are surgically embedded by our Cadillac dentists into the jawbone itself for added stability when you speak, eat, and smile.
How Dental Implants Work
After a tooth is lost, there is no longer a root present. The tooth root may seem like the least of your worries as it wasn’t visible from the start, but its absence can have negative effects on your smile. One such effect is bone loss in the jaw.
Without a tooth root, the body will begin to absorb the minerals in the jawbone that once surrounded it. Over time, this automatic process can lead to a serious health condition known as facial collapse if the tooth is not replaced. Fortunately, you can counter this and provide healthy jawbone stimulation by having dental implants inserted by our dentists.
As the implant heals, the body will restore the lost bone material through a process called osseointegration, which fills in more bone until the implant itself is fully fused with the jaw.
Dental implants may be right for you if you have:
- One or more missing teeth
- A fully grown jawbone
- Enough bone to secure the implants or qualify for a bone graft
- Healthy oral tissues (no severe periodontal disease)
- A desire to improve your speech and appearance of your smile
- No medical conditions that affect bone healing
The Dental Implant Procedure
If you have adequate bone in your jaw and do not need a , our dentists will start by surgically placing the implant. We will make sure you feel no discomfort during the procedure and are able to return to work after if needed.
After the placement, time is needed for the area to heal and fuse to the implant. This stage can last anywhere from 2-6 months and once healing is complete, our dentists will fabricate your porcelain crown. While the implant gives the jawbone the stimulation it needs, the visible crown mimics the beauty and translucency of a natural tooth.
Make an Appointment
When it comes to tooth replacement, dentures are not the only option you have. If you are missing one or more teeth and want a permanent solution, our dental implant dentists in Cadillac, MI, can help. Call LifeSmiles Dentistry today at (231) 775-8281 or request an appointment online.
