How Dental Implant Compares to a Real Tooth
Woodland, CA
 Dental implants are permanent, artificial teeth used to replace extracted or missing teeth. An implant has three parts: an artificial root made of a titanium post, a connector which is called an abutment, and a dental crown cemented on top. They are made to last and have a lifespan of upwards of 20 years with proper care.
A common dental implant FAQ is “How does a dental implant compare to a real tooth?” The answer is that implants are nearly identical to natural teeth, which is why they have become the “gold standard” for replacing missing teeth. At Beautiful Smiles, we provide dental implants to replace missing teeth.
The most significant benefit of a dental implant is that it functions just like a normal tooth, but not just for chewing and biting. Dental implants apply pressure to the jawbone exactly the same way the roots of natural teeth do. This stimulates and strengthens the bone, keeping it healthy.
This is possible thanks to the process of osseointegration, where the titanium post of the implant fuses completely with the jaw to become part of it.
One of the most common complaints from patients with missing teeth, dentures, or bridges is their jawbones weaken as the underlying structure thins out. This loss of definition is due to bone reabsorption from lack of stimulation. With a dental implant, this does not happen, and you preserve your jawbone.
Reasons to Consider a Dental Implant
If you have lost a tooth, consider a dental implant, even if you have replaced it with a crown, dental bridge, or denture. There are many reasons why implants are superior to other types of dental prosthetics, such as:
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A dental implant looks and feels just like a natural tooth
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It is stronger than other options
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Dental implants protect against jawbone loss
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The titanium post of an implant lasts a lifetime and rarely has to be replaced
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Implants are safe and well tolerated |
Dental implant surgery is considered a lengthy process because it involves a gap of four to six months for healing. Generally, we divide the procedure into three parts:
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Insertion of the titanium post
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A recovery period that allows for osseointegration
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Placement of the dental crown |
Before we begin, we thoroughly examine your oral cavity and ensure your jaw can support a dental implant. In case there is lower bone density, we may need to do a bone graft which will be done during the first part of the surgery. During recovery, we will place a temporary crown over the implant to keep it safe while it fuses with your jaw. It is important to follow good oral hygiene and avoid eating hard foods during this time.
Call Today for a Consultation!
At Beautiful Smiles, we believe dental implants are necessary for maintaining strong teeth, gums and jaw. We take great pride in our efficient and safe implantation surgery and ensure our patients are always comfortable. If you are interested in getting dental implants or are looking for more information, call us at (530) 206-9211 to set up a consultation with our dentists, Dr. James Yang or James Yang DDS. |
