Losing a permanent tooth can be a jarring experience. In some cases, teeth fall out because of periodontal disease or are extracted due to excessive decay. In other cases, they are lost as the result of a traumatic injury. Whatever the case may be, those who lose permanent teeth can feel stricken with panic about their appearance and concern that it cannot be replaced. Fortunately for those affected by adult tooth loss, there are plenty of restorative dentistry options to bring their smile back to its full form. Dental implants are a leading tooth replacement option and they have become increasingly popular in recent years due to advancements in technology and dental education.
Dental implants are so popular because they are long-lasting and fixed in place. They are among the most stable and reliable replacement procedures and help patients feel as though their natural tooth never left. However, just as with natural teeth, they can get damaged or experience other complications related to how they look or function. Luckily, a dentist with the proper training and education can help to effortlessly restore a dental implant. To understand dental implant restoration, one must first understand the specifics of a dental implant.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a metal fixture that is attached to a patient’s jawbone in the previous location of a missing tooth. It is meant to replicate the root of a tooth – the base attached to the jawbone that lies beneath the gumline. Once the implant is attached to the bone it can successfully support a replacement tooth. This replacement can be made to look like the missing tooth and match the color of the patient’s natural smile. Once the replacement is attached to the implant, it is effectively no different than a natural tooth. Many patients prefer implants to dentures for this reason.
Unlike dentures, they are not removable, nor do they require any more maintenance than a natural tooth (brushing, flossing, mouth rinse and regular dental visits). Implants are not just for the replacement of single teeth, either; they can replace complete sets of teeth with only a few fixtures per row.
What is dental implant restoration?
An implant restoration is the replacement tooth mentioned in the previous section. It is a full dental crown that is created in a laboratory and designed to look and function just like the patient’s remaining natural teeth. These restorations are incredibly durable and effective, and they can last for long periods of time. Another benefit of replacing lost teeth with dental implants and restorations is the prevention of bone loss, which is more difficult to avoid with options like dentures and bridges. A dental implant restoration not only replaces a missing tooth but also provides patients with a strong, healthy new one!
If you are looking for dental implants in Broomfield, CO or you are experiencing an issue with an existing implant, call Petersen Family Dentistry today at (720) 308–9798 or contact us online.
