Dental implants offer a durable and long-lasting solution for your missing teeth. When we place them, they have the potential to last for decades, maybe even a lifetime! But what makes up these new teeth? In today’s blog, your Virginia Beach, VA, dentist talks about the benefits of our dental implants and the different parts that make up each one.
When to Seek Treatment
You should contact our team when you suffer tooth loss, even if you have only one missing tooth. If you’ve lost several teeth and haven’t undergone treatment in a while, we can still help you obtain a full smile. Otherwise, your tooth loss could lead to misalignment in remaining teeth, jaw joint strain linked to TMJ disorder and bruxism, or even trouble eating or speaking properly. Since the body stops sending key nutrients to the jawbone around the missing roots, the resulting breakdown could mean further tooth loss and an older appearance!
The Implant Post
Our team will thoroughly examine your smile with digital x-rays to choose the best angle and position to insert the implant post. The post is what acts as a new root and ensures your new teeth have the potential to last decades to come. These posts are titanium, which is a biocompatible material that bonds with the jaw like natural roots. This means the body will resume the flow of nutrients to preserve your jaw, and that your new tooth lasts far longer than traditional bridges or removable dentures. We can insert a single one to address an individual missing tooth, or use multiple ones to support a bridge or even a complete set of dentures.
The Abutment
Once we insert the posts and the placement area heals, our team will connect an abutment to each post. The abutment is a small structure that extends above the gum line, so we can attach the visible portion of your new tooth or teeth. In some cases, the posts can be placed and the abutments and prosthetic attached in the same visit.
Crowns and Dentures
For an individual missing tooth, our team could use a dental crown for an individual one. The crown will be custom-made from lifelike and durable materials, so they can blend with the smile seamlessly, but also offer a dependable chewing surface. If you have developed advanced tooth loss, we will custom-make bridges and dentures from strong and natural looking materials too. A fixed prosthetic lasts far longer than removable dentures, and they never slip when you eat or speak. No need to remove them for soaking or cleaning either!
Schedule A Visit for Your Implant Dentistry
We have durable and lifelike options to address minor tooth loss or even advanced cases. Call Absolute Dental Care in Virginia Beach, VA at (757) 428-7440 to schedule an appointment soon!
