Crowns, conventional bridges, or dentures may not be your only options when replacing missing teeth. For some people, dental implants offer an alternative that looks and feels very natural. Surgically placed below the gums, implants fuse to the jawbone and serve as a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or dentures.
Implants offer improved stability because they fuse to your bone. The integrated nature of the implants help your replacement teeth feel more natural. Also some people find the secure fit more comfortable than conventional substitutes.
Candidates for dental implants need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. A thorough evaluation by your dentist will help determine whether or not you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Single Tooth Restoration
Dr. Saghatchi knows that dental implants provide multiple advantages over other tooth replacement options. In addition to looking and functioning more like a natural tooth, a dental implant replaces a single tooth without adversely impacting the health of the surrounding teeth. Because a dental implant will replace your tooth and its root, the bone will be better preserved. In the long run, a single dental implant will prove more esthetically pleasing and much easier to keep clean than other restoration options.
Implant Placement
Dental implants are designed in the likeness of the root structure of your natural teeth. Therefore, during implant surgery, the implants are placed directly into your jaw bone, in order to provide a sturdy, stable and secure natural foundation for the replacement tooth or teeth. Dr. Saghatchi will administer a local anesthetic before implant surgery begins; then he will make an incision into the gum tissue to expose the underlying jawbone. Dr. Saghatchi will place the titanium implant and the incision will be stitched shut. During the several weeks that this incision will take to heal, the implant will fuse to the jaw bone naturally. Dr. Saghatchi will attach the replacement tooth once the implant has been anchored to the bone. The result will be a restored, natural, healthy smile.