Implant Dentistry

Missing teeth can be very frustrating as it looks aesthetically displeasing. Along with this, it has several other disadvantages that hinder the functionality of the teeth. Perhaps, dental implants are the most effective way to restore missing teeth as they improve both the aesthetics as well as the functionality of the mouth.

Is it important to replace missing teeth?

• Leaving a missing tooth unrestored would allow the adjoining teeth to drift from their positions. It can lead to malocclusion, change in the shape of the jaws, etc.
• As the teeth drift from their positions, there is a chance of them loosening from their sockets in the jawbone. This can cause further tooth loss.
• The teeth adjacent to the gap would experience more stress, and the chances of them loosening from the socket are high. It could even lead to a change in the alignment of the particular teeth.
• Missing teeth hinder one’s confidence greatly. People with a missing tooth tend to stay conscious of it while smiling or even talking.
• Patients who have had a tooth extracted sometimes complain of pain in the jaws and persistent headache. This is associated with the drifting of teeth.
• The functionality of the mouth, namely biting, chewing and phonetics, will be affected.

Why choose dental implants?

• They are long-lasting restorations. The fact that they are made from titanium and the crown is made from dental-grade ceramic is why they are so strong and sturdy. However, proper care must be taken to ensure this.
• They prevent the drifting of the teeth as they not only restore the visible crown (like dental bridges) but also replace the root.
• They enable seamless functionality as they restore the ability to bite, chew and tear food.
• They look exactly like natural teeth as the crown is made from tooth-colored ceramic material. It can be polished to exactly match the texture and shade of the natural teeth.
• Most importantly, they are confidence boosters. They help patients regain their lost smiles.

Procedure

When you visit our practice for the initial consultation, Dr. McGraw would examine your oral set up to check for signs of tooth decay, gum diseases, drifting of teeth due to tooth extraction and bone deterioration. If any, the dentist will tend to them prior to starting the implant treatment.

During the surgery, local anesthesia will be administered to numb the operating area. The underlying jawbone will be exposed by making a small incision on the gums. High precision dental equipment will be used to make a small hole in the jawbone, where the titanium implant will be inserted. Dental adhesives will be used to firmly fix the implant on the jawbone. The implant will have to heal for a few weeks and the gum tissues will be allowed to grow back.

After the wound has healed, an abutment will be attached to the implant, which acts as the connecting element between the implant stump and the crown. The crown will be prepared in a dental laboratory after the exact measurements and the contour of the tooth is sent. It will be fixed on the abutment with the help of adhesives. Finally, the bite and comfort are checked and any aesthetic adjustments, such as polishing, will be made.

Schedule an online appointment or call us at (831) 438-1861 to have a consultation with Dr. McGraw and we’ll be able to guide you further.