Missing teeth can impact the appearance of the smile and make it difficult to speak, chew, and eat. Dental implant restoration is a method of replacing missing teeth that can improve the appearance of a patient's smile and restore the function of the teeth.
Dental implant restoration involves surgically placing artificial tooth roots into the jaw of a patient. The artificial roots are constructed from titanium and resemble screws. Artificial teeth are attached to the posts to replace the look and function of missing teeth.
You may be a candidate for implant restoration if you meet these criteria:
Traditional dentures or bridges used to replace missing teeth do not replace the tooth roots. Without the tooth roots to stimulate the jawbone, many patients lose bone mass which can change the shape of the patient's face, cause dental work to fit improperly, and interfere with chewing and speaking.
Dentures that do not fit properly can slide in the mouth making it difficult to speak and chew. Implants fuse with the jawbone, making them permanent. An implant restoration will not slide around in the mouth as traditional dentures may and does not require the use of adhesives to keep the restoration in place.
The durable material does not decay the way the natural teeth that support bridges and dentures may, and the implant procedure does not require altering the remaining natural teeth the way a tooth-supported bridge sometimes does. Many patients find implants to be more comfortable than removable dentures, and an implant restoration does not need to be removed for cleaning.
Dental implant restoration is a multi-step process that requires several months for most patients. The majority of this time is spent waiting for the jawbone to fuse to the implant as it heals. This usually takes six to 12 weeks. The process may take longer for patients who require a bone graft to prepare the jaw for implants.
Rarely, implant restoration surgery may result in an infection at the implant site. It may also injure or damage teeth, blood vessels, or other tissue near the surgical site, cause nerve damage, or create sinus problems. When these complications occur, they are usually treatable.
Most patients who have missing teeth are candidates for implant restoration if they have sufficient bone mass to anchor an implant and do not have other complicating health issues. However, the process can take several months to complete, so patients seeking faster restoration methods may want to consider alternatives.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gearydental.com or call Geary Dental Center at (415) 702-1310 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.
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