What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a restorative dental procedure that helps replace one or more missing teeth. The dental implant acts as an artificial root of the tooth and a solid foundation for a range of dental restorations.
A dental implant involves surgically implanting one or more titanium screws directly in your jawbone, which become more stable as it heals. Bone tissue grows around the screw over several months, which becomes a strong attachment point for a crown, bridge, or dentures. Using dental implants, you have the option of fixed or removable dentures or bridges.
The team at Beacon Dental Center uses the innovative Bicon Dental Implant System®, which offers advanced engineering and techniques that ensure longevity and excellent function of your dental implants over time.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants may benefit your dental health in several ways, including:
- Improved smile
- Restored dental symmetry
- Long-term restoration durability
- Prevention of bite problems
- Decreased teeth shifting or movement over time
- Improved speech and chewing
For many, dental implants offer a more permanent, aesthetically pleasing solution to missing teeth as compared to some types of dentures or bridges.
What does dental implant placement entail?
You need several visits to establish your dental implant. Initially, Dr. Zhang completes a thorough oral health assessment, takes digital X-rays, and answers any questions you may have.
Dr. Zhang performs oral surgery to remove any decaying teeth or other sources of infection. She then places the dental implant screw into your jawbone. After about six months, when the bone tissue has healed and stabilized the screw, she takes digital images and creates highly accurate impressions of your mouth.
Using these impressions, a specialized dental lab creates your customized dental restoration, and you return after several weeks to have it placed. During that visit, Dr. Zhang attached the artificial tooth or teeth to the implanted screw. In some cases, you may need four or more implants to secure your new restoration effectively.
Once complete, your dental restoration looks, feels, and functions just like your real teeth. To see if dental implants can improve your smile and oral health, call or schedule an appointment with Beacon Dental Center today.
