Dental implants provide the millions of patients in America who suffer from tooth loss with a permanent solution to this frustrating and embarrassing issue. Tooth loss is associated with:
- Low self-esteem
- Problems with speech
- Difficulty eating
- Shifting teeth
Traditional solutions to tooth loss include removable prosthetics like dentures and partial dentures, however, these are problematic to many people because they need to be removed to be cleaned effectively, slip and slide without the use of an adhesive, get food particles underneath them, and can impact how a person talks.
Dental implants are permanent prosthetics that are drilled into an individual’s jawbone. The result is a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime and only requires the care that your natural teeth do.
The process of getting dental implants requires several visits, but most people say they would go through it all over again because of how convenient these prosthetics are in the long run. This is because the maintenance and care of implants are quite simple. All you have to do is care for your mouth as you normally would – no need to remove the implants, soak them overnight, or use special cleaners.
During your first appointment, you’ll come in for a basic exam and x-rays. The doctor will determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants. If you are, you’ll come back to have your mouth prepped. This involves implanting the metal rod that sits in your jaw bone and sometimes grafting bone to ensure your implant has a solid foundation.
After a few months of healing, you’ll come back to have a permanent crown attached to the rod. But don’t worry! We won’t leave you with a blank space while you heal. We’ll attach a temporary crown so you don’t feel self-conscious.
There are a couple types of implants available:
Endosteal implants: These are placed in the jawbone and look like tiny screws. These are what we most commonly offer to patients. The implant’s metal rod looks a lot like a small screw, which we then attach the crown (fake tooth) to.
Subperiosteal implants: These implants are placed above the jawbone and below the gums. They’re ideal for those who do not want to build up their jawbone to provide the foundation needed for the endosteal implants.
We also offer dental implants in varying shapes and sizes. What works for you will be determined by Dr. Gonzalez. If you’re interested in the dental implant process, contact us. We can help you overcome tooth loss and find a solution to your needs that works with your lifestyle and budget.
