Dental implants
The Basics
Unlike other treatments for missing teeth, such as dentures and dental bridges, dental implants are a permanent solution that mimics the shape, size, and appearance of your natural tooth.
Modern dental implants are made up of two parts: a dental post that's implanted into the gums, and a crown, which mimics the natural appearance of your tooth. The post is typically made of titanium or zirconium, and the crown is manufactured out of porcelain. By working together, these two dental appliances provide a permanent tooth restoration.
understanding
The dental implant process
There are two basic procedures that make up the dental implant process.
In the first procedure, the post is implanted directly into your jaw, where the original root of your tooth used to be. This procedure can be done under sedation or anesthesia, if desired. After the post is placed, the surrounding gum and bone bonds permanently with the post. This process generally takes 3-6 months, depending on the patient.
Dr. Joel Darrah will then use advanced oral imaging techniques to create a dental crown that perfectly mimics the shape and function of your original tooth. During your second appointment, this crown will be permanently bonded to the post, using a permanent dental adhesive. With just two simple procedures, you can restore a natural, healthy smile!
The Benefits Of
Dental Implants
Dental implants have a variety of powerful benefits, especially compared to other solutions like dentures and dental bridges. Here a just a few of these benefits:
Indistinguishable from original teeth – Dr. Joel Darrah is an expert at creating natural, beautiful ceramic and porcelain crowns that are totally indistinguishable from your original teeth, restoring your natural smile!
Lasts a lifetime – Dentures often require replacement every 3-5 years, and dental bridges can require replacement every decade. Dental implants, on the other hand, are permanent. They will last you for the rest of your life, as long as basic oral hygiene habits are followed.
No special care required – Dental implants can be treated just like the rest of your teeth. If you brush and floss normally, you won’t have to deal with any difficult care procedures.
Prevents teeth from shifting – Left untreated, a lost tooth will cause surrounding teeth to shift. This can be painful and lead to crooked teeth, as well as bite issues. A dental implant prevents this, and ensures your teeth stay in place, even after the loss of a tooth.
Are Implants
Right For Me?
You may be wondering if implants are right for you, or if you should choose an alternative treatment like dental bridges or dentures to replace your missing teeth. Dental bridges are very similar to implants. They are fixed in place, look very natural, and will never shift or move while you eat. However, they do have a few drawbacks that dental implants don’t have.
The primary issue with bridges is that they require you to trim away enamel from healthy teeth.
In addition, bridges do not prevent bone resorption, so your jaw bone will continue to weaken and deteriorate in the area where you’ve lost your tooth. In contrast, dental implants stimulate the underlying bone, and prevent bone loss.
Because implants don’t require enamel removal, you can keep your natural enamel and avoid trimming your teeth. If you don’t like the idea of permanently removing enamel for a dental prosthesis, dental implants may be a good option for you.
Both full and partial dentures are another option for restoring one or more missing teeth in Bluffton. However, just like bridges, they’re not always the best alternative to dental implants. There are a few reasons for this.
First, dentures are removable, and they can shift in the mouth when you eat, chew, and speak, even if they fit perfectly. While you can use dental adhesive to help with this, doing so can be inconvenient. In contrast, dental implants will never move or shift, and are locked tightly in place, so you can always eat, speak, and chew with confidence.
Dentures also require more special care. Partial dentures, for example, must be removed to clean them after each meal. A single-tooth dental implant, on the other hand, can be treated just like a natural tooth. All you have to do is brush twice a day and floss once a day to keep the implant healthy.
Since dental implants are non-removable, they are also more convenient. You don’t have to take time out of your day to take care of your dentures. You can simply wake up and begin your morning routine right away!
got a missing tooth?
Come in for an implant consultation in Blufton!
Tooth loss can affect anyone, but you don’t have to live with missing teeth. Restorative dentistry from Buckwalter Dental Care can help you replace missing teeth quickly and easily. Dr. Joel Darrah specializes in placing high-quality, permanent dental implants.
At our patient-focused practice, Dr. Darrah will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, determine if a dental implant is right for you, and develop a comprehensive care strategy that will help you restore your smile.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, don’t suffer any longer. Contact us today for a consultation in Bluffton, and see why Buckwalter Dental Care is the best choice for restorative dentistry in the area! Call us at (843) 815-3232, or visit our office at 31 Innovation Drive Unit 2, Bluffton, SC 29910!
