Dental Implants
Dental implant restoration repairs missing teeth with permanent replacements. Unlike dentures, implants never need to be removed and are very similar to natural teeth. They even stimulate tissue restoration to protect the health of all of the teeth in your mouth, reducing your risk for further tooth loss.
Our office offers this innovative technology to help you address the issue of missing teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
An implant is a titanium post affixed to your gum by an oral surgeon. A small screw anchors the new tooth to your jaw. After the 4-6 month healing process, the implant becomes permanently anchored to your jawbone through a process called osseointegration.
The visible implant component is called the crown, which is created from ceramic and looks nearly identical to a natural tooth. The crown is incredibly durable – crunchy, chewy foods will no longer be an issue for you. The other major advantage to a dental implant is that it can last forever, if cared for properly.
Why Are Dental Implants Necessary?
A missing tooth can cause a whole host of problems for the patient. Besides the obvious difficulty a gap in your teeth causes for eating, there are many other side effects such as pain and smile disfiguration. A missing tooth can also lead to gum disease, infections, malnutrition and depression.
Another critical, behind-the-scenes issue that many patients are unaware of is damage beneath the gumline. Your teeth stimulate your gum and bone tissue on an ongoing basis, promoting restoration. When a tooth is missing, this naturally occurring renewal process ceases to occur, causing the bone beneath the gumline to atrophy. This impacts the other teeth in your mouth, causing them drift slightly, loosen and eventually fall out.
Due to the discomfort of a missing tooth and the many health risks the condition poses, it is imperative to replace the tooth, ideally with an implant.
Caring for Your Dental Implants
Caring for your dental implants is just like caring for your teeth: simply brush and floss regularly. It’s also recommended that you schedule regular cleaning and examinations with our office to ensure the implant stays pristine. This is one of the perks of implants: no removals, no special cleaning, and no replacements.
Your Dental Implant Consultation
To determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants, Dr. Delwiche will examine and x-ray your teeth and gums to verify the quality of the bone in your jaw. Even patients who have been missing teeth for a longer period of time and are already experiencing bone deterioration may still be able to receive implants with the addition of bone grafts.
If your insurance plan does not cover dental implants, financing options are available through our office. We are also proud providers of Quality Dental Plan. We understand the importance of replacing missing teeth with the best technology available and will work with you to find a viable solution that best fits your needs.
If you’re missing a tooth and looking for a permanent solution, call Dr. Delwiche’s Santa Rosa dental office today to schedule a consultation.
