Why Should I Replace My Missing Teeth? – Dental Implants – Ooralea Dental Care

By Author: Dr Raghu Channapati
Total Articles: 95
Comment this article

Ooralea Dental Implants
There’s never been a better way to replace your missing teeth. Our Ooralea dental implants can help you restore your smile back to its natural function following tooth loss due to accidents or disease. Implant predictability makes them a go-to solution for adults of all ages.

What are Dental Implants?
Traditional dental implants are biocompatible restorations we set into your bone, mimicking a natural tooth root. Once fully integrated, the implant can support a crown, bridge, or even a full-arch hybrid denture. Implant’s ability to integrate with your bone allow them to become a permanent fixture that lasts for decades to come.

Who Can Benefit?
Designed to last a lifetime
Mimic the function of natural teeth
Stronger than healthy tooth structure
Non-invasive to adjacent teeth
Ideal for single to multiple tooth replacement
Support your facial contour and shape
Easy to care for (just brush and floss!)
Alternative to fixed bridges or removable partial dentures
Any time a tooth goes missing, the extra space can lead to shifting ...
... in your surrounding bite. Teeth tilt inward, misalignment spreads throughout your smile, and bone shrinks, weakening your jaw. The sooner you replace a missing tooth, the better you can avoid these complications as well as others.

Implant Dentist in Ooralea
Ooralea Dental Care provides comprehensive dental implant therapy right here in our practice. As your provider, we put your oral health needs above everything that we do. We’re committed to treating you like family, from the way your care is administered to the investments we’ve made in the technology that we use.

If you’re considering dental implants to replace your missing teeth, request a consultation to find out if you qualify. Our Ooralea dentists are happy to assist you!

Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing or severely damaged teeth. They are designed to look and function like natural teeth, providing a permanent solution that improves both aesthetics and oral health. Here’s how dental implants work and what the process involves:

What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, where a tooth root would normally be. Over time, the implant fuses with the bone in a process called osseointegration, creating a strong foundation for a replacement tooth (crown), bridge, or denture.

The Dental Implant Process
Consultation and Planning: The process begins with a thorough dental examination, including X-rays and possibly a CT scan, to assess the health of your jawbone and determine the best placement for the implant. The dentist will discuss your goals and the types of implants that might work best for you.

Implant Placement: During the procedure, a small incision is made in the gum to expose the bone. The titanium implant is then inserted into the jawbone. This is typically done under local anesthesia, though sedation may be used for more extensive procedures.

Healing and Osseointegration: After the implant is placed, it needs time to fuse with the bone, which can take a few months (usually around 3 to 6 months). This step is crucial to ensure the implant is securely anchored.

Abutment Placement: Once osseointegration is complete, a small connector called an abutment is attached to the top of the implant. The abutment serves as the foundation for the replacement tooth.

Final Restoration: After the abutment is placed, impressions of your mouth are taken to create a custom crown, bridge, or denture that will fit perfectly onto the abutment. Once the restoration is ready, it’s attached to the abutment, completing the dental implant process.

Benefits of Dental Implants
Natural Look and Feel: Implants look and function like natural teeth, making them almost indistinguishable from real teeth.
Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
Improved Speech and Comfort: Unlike dentures, implants are fixed in place, so you won’t have to worry about them shifting while speaking or eating.
Bone Preservation: Since the implant integrates with the jawbone, it helps preserve bone structure and prevent bone loss that can occur with missing teeth.
Better Function: Dental implants restore full chewing power, allowing you to eat your favorite foods comfortably.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Most people who have lost teeth and have healthy gums are good candidates for dental implants. However, there are a few conditions that may affect eligibility, including:

Insufficient bone density: If the jawbone is too thin or weak to support the implant, bone grafting procedures may be necessary.
Gum disease: Active gum disease must be treated before proceeding with implants.
Overall health: Conditions like diabetes or certain medical treatments can affect the healing process and should be discussed with your dentist.
Risks and Considerations
While dental implants are generally very safe and effective, as with any surgical procedure, there are some risks, such as:

Infection at the implant site
Injury or damage to surrounding teeth or blood vessels
Implant failure (if osseointegration doesn’t occur)
Your dentist will carefully evaluate these risks during the consultation process.

Maintenance
Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings to keep the implant and surrounding gums healthy.

Would you like to know more about the costs or the specific types of dental implants available? Or perhaps you’re curious about how the healing time works?