What to expect from dental implant procedure

Improved Appearance

There are two parts to every tooth. The crown and the root. The crown is the visible part and the root is the unseen part which anchors the tooth in your jawbone, providing stable support for your crown. When an entire tooth is lost – crown and root – shrinkage of the jawbone may occur making the face look older. Dental implants can stop this process.

There are many ways to replace tooth crowns, but only dental implants can replace the entire tooth including both crown and root. Dental implants look, feel and function like your own natural teeth.

Improved Comfort

Dental implants eliminate the pain and discomfort of removable full or partial dentures. Since dentures sit on top of the jawbone and gums, continuous shrinkage of the jaw bone alters the fit of the denture resulting in slipping or rocking of the dentures. Exposed nerves and irritation of the gum tissue may add to the discomfort.

Implant supported replacement teeth are like natural teeth because they are anchored securely to your jawbone. Gum irritation and the pain of exposed nerves associated with conventional full or partial dentures are eliminated.

Great Value

Although dental implant treatment may initially be more expensive than other treatment methods, it often turns out to be the best investment from a long-term perspective. Most patients can expect them to last a lifetime as opposed to other treatment methods, such as bridges and dentures, which often require regular alterations and adjustments over time.

Improved Speech

With ill fitting dentures, the teeth slip and slide around the mouth. The facial muscles become tense in an attempt to hold the teeth in place. This often results in mumbling, slurred speech or clicking noises. Implant supported replacement teeth allow you to speak with confidence in a relaxed and natural tone.

Improved Self Esteem

Considering all other benefits, chances are that dental implants will improve your overall self- esteem and you will feel better about yourself. At least that is what many of those people who have already been treated with dental implants have told us. You can regain nearly all the capabilities you had with your natural teeth, giving you renewed confidence, and allowing you to enjoy life, do all the things everyone else is doing and not think twice about it.

Eat Better

The average denture patient with an excellent fitting denture eats at 15-20% efficiency when compared to a person with natural teeth. As the jawbone shrinks, your chewing efficiency is reduced even more, making it difficult to eat certain foods. Dental implants, on the other hand, can restore chewing efficiency comparable to that of natural teeth. This allows you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain. You can enjoy what everyone is eating and you don’t have to think twice about it.

A full upper denture covers the palate of the mouth and reduces the ability to taste foods. With dental implants, you can have the palate removed from your upper denture so you can taste and enjoy your food.

Lifelong Tooth Replacement

Naturally, every treatment case presents unique conditions that can affect the longevity of a dental implant and no man-made product lasts forever. However, most patients who are treated with dental implants should be able to expect lifelong replacement for their lost teeth.

* Bone maturing process will vary by individual. This is based on the patients overall health, current prescribed medication(s), age and amount of caffeine intake.