Dental Implants
If you feel embarrassed because you have spaces in your mouth where your natural teeth are missing, you are not alone. Many people lose their teeth to injury, tooth decay or periodontal disease. Whatever the reason for their tooth loss, an increasing number of people are now choosing dental implants to replace their missing teeth. Dental implants are the only tooth restorations that not only look like your natural teeth, but mimic their natural structure as well – allowing you the highest level of functionality. If you want dental alternatives that look and feel like a natural part of your mouth, then dental implants might be right for you. Read on to learn more about dental implants.
What Is a Dental Implant?
Generally speaking, a dental implant consists of a titanium implant and a porcelain restoration crown. The anchor, which acts as an artificial tooth root, is implanted first and allowed to heal into place. Then, a crown is attached to fill the space with a beautiful, natural looking tooth.
In other cases, dental implant anchors (usually two, three or more) can be implanted to securely affix dentures (implant overdentures) within the mouth or to provide support for fixed bridges of artificial teeth.
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Why Choose Dental Implants?
Dental implants offer incomparable functionality and security, while still appearing completely natural. In addition, dental implants are the only tooth replacement option available that can help prevent or reduce jawbone deterioration caused by missing teeth. Dental implants also improve your ability to chew and speak and eliminate potential embarrassments that can be caused by removable teeth.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
An ideal dental implant candidate has good dental health, healthy gums and ample bone mass beneath the space of the missing tooth. Many of the patients who are not initially implant candidates can undergo treatments performed by Dr. West to improve the health of their gums or add necessary bone mass to the jaw (called ridge augmentation). If you would like to find out if dental implants are right for you, please contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey West.
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The Implantation Procedure
Implantation of the titanium root is a fairly complex procedure, so it is important to have this phase of the procedure performed by a qualified periodontist or oral surgeon to ensure the best results. As a certified periodontist and oral surgeon, Dr. West is highly trained in the placement of dental implants and has performed countless implantation procedures in cases ranging from the simple to the highly complex.
While you are under sedation, Dr. West enters the gumline at the site of the missing tooth placing the titanium root securely within the jawbone. The incision is stitched and the implant is allowed to heal for approximately three to six months while the jawbone fuses firmly to the titanium root. Once the jawbone has healed completely, small metal posts are attached to the head of the implant and the gums are allowed to heal for another two to three weeks. Finally, your restorative dentist will attach your custom crafted replacement crown(s), bridge(s) or overdentures and ensure a comfortable fit and proper function. Fitting of the replacement teeth and other additional cosmetic refinements may be necessary to achieve the most aesthetically pleasing result.
Contact Dr. Jeffrey West for Dental Implants
If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, please contact the office of periodontist and oral surgeon Jeffrey West today to schedule your consultation appointment. During your consultation, Dr. West will evaluate whether or not you are a good candidate for dental implants and present you with the best options for tooth replacement.
We invite you to view before and after photos of our dental implants patients in our practice photo gallery to see first hand the outstanding work of Dr. West.
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