Dental implants are known as the best tooth replacement option as they look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They also help prevent bone loss and facial sagging that can occur with missing teeth.
With implant dentistry, patients can enjoy foods that were previously verboten with other tooth replacement options such as dentures. They can also smile confidently knowing that no one can tell their dental implants Chattanooga TN aren’t real.
They Look and Feel Like Real Teeth
Dental implants are made to look and feel like natural teeth. They are slimmer than dentures and allow more freedom of movement in your mouth, which leads to a more natural-sounding voice. And they can be easily cleaned, just as you would your natural teeth.
In addition, they do not require altering other teeth as a tooth-supported bridge does, so more of your healthy teeth are left intact for long-term oral health. Lastly, they are strong and do not slip or move around in your mouth as removable dentures can sometimes do.
While titanium and zirconia are the most common materials used to make dental implants, other metals can also be utilized. Polymers, which are biodegradable and have a composition that can be easily altered, are a possible option as well. They can have a more aesthetic appearance but are not as durable as zirconia and titanium. Proper oral hygiene and regular cleanings with our staff dental hygienist are key to ensuring your dental implants remain healthy and looking their best.
They Restore Full Chewing Power
Implants restore complete chewing power and a natural smile, providing the same confidence in speech and eating as you would with your natural teeth. Unlike loose or ill-fitting dentures, implants fuse to the bone and do not slip or click when you speak or eat.
Dental implants are topped with custom-made crowns to match the color, shape and size of your existing teeth. The result is a seamless blend that enhances the appearance of your smile and facial features.
Like your natural teeth, dental implants can last a lifetime with conscientious home care and routine professional cleanings and check-ups. Keeping your gums healthy is one of the main keys to lasting dental implant success. Our hygienists will develop a comprehensive maintenance plan for your teeth and gums to ensure long-term implant health.
They Prevent Bone Loss
The titanium material used to make dental implants is highly biocompatible, which means your body will treat the implant as part of its own bone structure. The pressure exerted by biting and chewing on the implant will also stimulate bone growth, preventing the bone density loss that occurs when a tooth is missing for an extended period of time.
Implants are also the only treatment option that does not require significant and otherwise unnecessary work on healthy teeth adjacent to the gap in your smile. The other options, including bridges and partial dentures, may require that the teeth on either side of the gap be treated to support the restoration.
If you have lost a tooth, it is important to contact us for a consultation as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more jaw bone density is lost and the harder it will be to replace your tooth with an implant. In some cases, a bone graft can be performed to strengthen the area and enable you to receive an implant in the future.
They Can Be Used to Replace Single Teeth or Multiple Teeth
Implants can be used to replace single missing teeth or multiple tooth in the upper and lower jaws. They can also be used to support a fixed bridge or denture.
Dental implants are made of titanium, a strong metal that has the ability to fuse with bone in a process known as osseointegration. Other materials such as zirconium are being researched, but have yet to be perfected for general use.
An implant is a long-term commitment to your oral health and wellness. As such, we provide patients with a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a full evaluation and a review of your medical history.
Once the recovery period is complete, a crown can be placed on top of the dental implant post. Removable teeth snap onto a metal frame attached to the implant abutment, while fixed teeth are screwed or cemented directly to the abutment. Dental implants and their restorations usually last longer than alternative treatments such as bridges and dentures.
