At Smile Connection, we are proud to offer dental implants to our patients as a premier solution for replacing missing or damaged teeth. Dental implants are artificial roots placed into your jawbone, providing a stable foundation for permanent or removable replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone, acting as a root for the replacement tooth. Once the implant integrates with the bone, a crown, bridge, or denture can be securely attached to it. This process ensures that the replacement teeth are stable and durable, providing a long-term solution for tooth loss.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Improved Appearance: Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. They are designed to fuse with the bone, making them a permanent part of your smile.
- Enhanced Self-Esteem: Missing teeth can affect your confidence. Dental implants help restore your smile, improving your self-esteem and overall quality of life.
- Better Oral Health: Unlike traditional bridges, dental implants do not require altering adjacent teeth. This preserves more of your natural teeth, improving long-term oral health.
- Improved Comfort and Function: Dental implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures. They function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
- Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a cost-effective solution for tooth replacement.
The Dental Implant Procedure
- Initial Consultation: During your initial visit, our dentist will evaluate your oral health and determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. This may involve X-rays and impressions of your teeth and jaw.
- Implant Placement: The dental implant is surgically placed into the jawbone. Local anesthesia or sedation may be used to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
- Osseointegration: Over the next few months, the implant will integrate with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong and stable foundation for the replacement tooth.
- Abutment Placement: Once the implant has fused with the bone, an abutment is attached to the implant. This serves as a connector between the implant and the replacement tooth.
- Crown Placement: Finally, a custom-made crown is attached to the abutment. The crown is designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless appearance.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Proper care is essential to maintain the health and longevity of your dental implants. Here are some tips:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use an antibacterial mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule regular dental checkups to monitor the condition of your implants and overall oral health.
- Avoid Hard Foods: While dental implants are strong, avoid chewing on hard foods and objects that could damage them.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of implant failure.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you have any questions about dental implants or want to find out if you are a candidate, feel free to contact us today at (909) 391-8990. At Smile Connection, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile with our expert dental implant services. Let us help you restore your smile and confidence with the natural-looking and durable solution of dental implants.