When you lose teeth, this could lead to problems for the stability and health of your smile, not to mention the overall beauty too. But to address these gaps, and help prevent further tooth loss, we could recommend a durable and long-lasting replacement option. In today’s blog, your Austin, MN, dentists talk about implant dentistry.
Combating the Loss of Jawbone Tissue
When we lose our teeth, this causes a number of problems for the function and beauty of our smile. Obviously, there are now gaps that can be embarrassing, but these gaps could also lead to misalignment and strain the jaw joints, leading to issues like TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). The body will also take note of the missing roots, and suspend the flow of calcium and phosphorus to the jawbone around them. This causes a loss of mass and density in the jaw, which leads to further tooth loss and a prematurely aged appearance. However, by placing dental implants we can actually preserve your smile!
Placing Dental Implants
First, we will take detailed digital x-ray images and intraoral camera pictures of your smile, using the information we gather to plan and guide the placement of the dental implant. The implant post is a biocompatible titanium device that looks like a small screw. We guide this into the smile at an angle and position that allows it to stimulate the growth of jawbone issue, as the body accepts it as a natural root. This prevents further tooth loss and preserves your smile’s youthful features. The bonding process is known as osseointegration, and could take about three to four months. Afterward, we attach an abutment to the post, one that extends above the gum line. We’re then ready for the restoration!
Restoring Teeth
The dental implant restoration is the visible part of your new tooth, the one that people see when you smile. We use durable materials like porcelain, which can absorb the daily bite forces natural teeth do, but can also be color-matched to blend with the rest of your smile, offering a lifelike appearance. If you have more extensive cases of tooth loss, multiple posts could be used to secure a bridge, or even a fixed denture. Unlike other prosthetics, these are designed to last for decades to come, possibly even a lifetime, with proper care and attention. If you have any questions about implant dentistry, then give us a call today.
Talk To Your Austin, MN Dentist About Implant Dentistry
We would like to help fill the gaps in your smile with a long-lasting prosthetic. If you would like to find out more about replacing missing teeth, then contact your Austin, MN, dentists, Dr. Potach and Dr. Mitchell, by calling 507-437-6312.
