What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are made of two components: the root form and the tooth crown that screws into the artificial root. The root form, made of titanium, is surgically implanted into the jaw bone in the place of a missing tooth. Once the bone has formed around the artificial root, the crown of the missing tooth is attached to the implant. The crown is fabricated by a dental lab to perfectly match the adjacent teeth and to fit into the bite creating a replacement tooth that is not only functional, but esthetically pleasing.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• Improved Appearance: Dental implants look and function like natural teeth, restoring your smile’s beauty and your ability to eat the foods you love.
• Enhanced Function: Implants allow you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
• Preserved Jawbone: Implants help to prevent bone loss, maintaining your facial structure.
• Durability: With proper maintenance and homecare, dental implants can last a lifetime.
• Increased Comfort: Unlike dentures, implants are fixed in place. No need to remove at night or use adhesive to hold in place.

The Dental Implant Process

• Consultation: Dr. Layth will evaluate your overall and oral health as well as the quality and width of your jawbone to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for dental implants.
• Implant Placement: The implant is surgically placed into your jawbone in a procedure that typically takes an hour or so and requires local anesthetic (freezing).
• Osseointegration: During the healing phase, the implant will fuse with the jawbone over the course of 4-6 months.
• Abutment Placement: A connector is attached to the implant which allows for the gingival tissue (gums) to become shaped in a way that will complement the lab fabricated crown and look very natural.
• Restoration: A dental crown, bridge, or denture is placed on the abutment or abutments, replacing one or multiple teeth.

Full Arch Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Dental implants used for replacement of multiple missing teeth offer several advantages over traditional dentures:

• Stability: Implants are securely anchored in the jawbone, preventing food from getting under the teeth, and eliminating the need for messy denture adhesives.
• Comfort: Implants feel and function like natural teeth.
• Bone Preservation: Implants help prevent bone loss in the jaw which ensures your facial structure remains “full” and not sunken.
• Confidence: Implants provide a long-term and natural looking solution for missing teeth, boosting self-esteem.