Many people experience tooth loss due to a variety of factors, including aging, gum disease, injury, and decay. Dental implants are the most effective alternative to traditional dentures to replace missing teeth. Implant dentistry offers permanent tooth replacement with teeth that look, act, and feel natural. At Mission Trails Dentistry, Dr. Bradley Ross and our dental care team can place and restore dental implants right here at our office, without having to refer you to another practice. We can help you improve the form and function of your teeth with one of the most innovative dental treatments available.
Implant Dentistry
Traditional dentures have many benefits, but also some drawbacks. Since they are removable artificial teeth replacements, they are often prone to slipping, and finding a perfect fit for a patient’s teeth and gums can be difficult. Many people who choose not to be fitted for dentures often live with the fact that they have missing teeth, and undergo the chewing and speaking troubles that can go along with that – not to mention the aesthetic effect missing teeth has on a person’s smile. Implant dentistry offers a permanent solution for this. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, dental implants are strong, permanent replacements that act as natural teeth. Custom-made for your specific needs, they do not slip and provide less risk of gum irritation. Dental implants are made to become permanent attachments to your mouth, as if they’d been there all along. At Mission Trails Dentistry, our implant dentists can meet with you to discuss whether dental implants are the right option for your goals.
Bone Grafting
In cases of missing teeth, bone grafting can sometimes be necessary when there is not enough density in the jawbone to accommodate a dental implant. A bone graft involves taking a new bone and placing it into the area of the jaw where the implant will ultimately reside. Our practice offers bone grafting and dental implant procedures right here in our office, without the need to refer you to other dental practices.
The Dental Implant Procedure
A dental implant procedure involves a multi-step process designed to effectively replace what has been lost. Patients who have strong bone density are often the best candidates for dental implants. The procedure begins by placing a thin rod underneath the gum, and anchoring it directly to the jawbone. A temporary crown can be placed on top of the rod for the next three to six months, while the rod fuses itself to the jaw. When this fusion has occurred, it has now become a permanent part of your teeth. One of our restorative dentists will then attach a custom-designed crown to the rod. The crown will be color-tinted and designed to blend in with your surrounding teeth.
Once the dental implant procedure is complete and the crown fitted, it should feel and look like a natural tooth – improving the look of your smile and giving you greater ease with chewing and speaking. Dental implants are made to be permanent – without the hassle of removal and maintenance, other than your regular daily habits of brushing and flossing.