When it comes to tooth replacement appliances, you have the option to choose between removable and permanent options. At Horizon Dental, we offer dental implants in Taylorsville as a way to place restoration pieces. If you have missing teeth, let us help you explore the restorative options available and why dental implants are beneficial.
Dental implants have become one of the most reliable and predictable treatments in dentistry because they not only restore the appearance of a natural smile but also support long-term oral health. Many patients appreciate that implants can provide a restoration that looks, feels, and functions almost exactly like a natural tooth. Additionally, implants help prevent some of the issues that can arise from tooth loss, such as tooth shifting or reduced bite strength.
Tooth loss can occur for several reasons, including decay, gum disease, trauma, or congenital absence. Regardless of the cause, timely replacement of missing teeth is essential for preserving your oral structure and maintaining your ability to eat and speak comfortably. As more patients discover the benefits of dental implants, the treatment has continued to gain popularity among individuals seeking a long-term solution.
What is a Dental Implant?
We surgically place a titanium screw into the jawbone, beneath the gums, to create a dental implant. The screw then attaches to a customized restoration using an abutment. Once the implant integrates with the bone and your gums heal, we finalize the restoration. We use titanium because it is biocompatible, meaning the body accepts it naturally, allowing the bone to fuse securely around the implant in a process known as osseointegration.
Implants act as the new root of the tooth replacement by supporting restorations and increasing or maintaining the density and health of the jawbone. When we chew, stimulation travels through the crowns, down to the root, and then into the bone. The lack of stimulation from a lost tooth causes the bone to begin disintegrating. This is why implants are so beneficial—they continue to provide essential stimulation, preventing the bone loss that would otherwise occur over time.
After placing your implants, it takes approximately six months for them to heal fully. During this healing period, we monitor the progress closely to ensure the implant integrates properly and remains stable. After healing, the implant-supported restoration is attached, restoring function and enhancing your smile.
Would I Qualify for Dental Implants?
There are only a few qualifications to be a candidate for a dental implant: you have to have missing teeth and have enough bone density to support the implant. If your bone lacks thickness, options such as a bone graft can help your bone prepare to hold the implant. Candidates should also maintain good oral hygiene and be free of active gum disease, as healthy gums contribute to long-term implant success.
Other factors we consider include overall health, any medical conditions that may affect healing, and lifestyle habits such as smoking, which can impact implant integration. Fortunately, many patients who were once considered poor candidates for implants can now receive them thanks to advancements in bone grafting and implant technology.
Restorations
Dental implants typically secure three dental restorations in the mouth. These restorations vary depending on the number of missing teeth and the type of replacement a patient requires.
- Dental Crown: The crown of a natural tooth is the entire visible portion, seen without moving any gum tissue. Dental crowns replace the damaged or severely broken outer part of a tooth. We can fabricate a crown entirely out of porcelain and secure it onto an implant for a single missing tooth. Patients who only have a single tooth to replace will use a dental crown. These crowns are custom-shaded and shaped to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
- Dental Bridge: We use bridges to replace one or more teeth in a row. We anchor bridges onto two natural teeth, called anchor teeth, to hold the replacement tooth in place. We need at least two dental implants to secure a dental bridge, with the implants acting as anchor teeth. Implant-supported bridges offer greater stability and prevent the need to modify healthy natural teeth, which is required for traditional bridges.
- Dentures: Traditional dentures are held by suction to the gum ridge. The biggest complaint by traditional denture wearers is that they can slip and cause sores. Dentures are now secure in the mouth using either six or four implants on each dental arch. Dentures are created using artificial gums and teeth that give you a new, beautiful smile. Implant-supported dentures also improve chewing ability and speech, providing a more comfortable and confident experience.
Dental Implants in Taylorsville
Having a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth can significantly impact your ability to perform various daily tasks, such as eating, chewing, and speaking. To take advantage of a permanent restoration that uses dental implants, please call our office Horizon Dental. Are you unsure which restorative piece would be best for your teeth and oral health? We would be happy to help you schedule a consultation appointment.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you restore your smile to its full potential. Dr. Joshua Frandsen and his team are dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care and guiding you through every step of your implant journey. Whether you need a single tooth replacement or a full-mouth restoration, our dental implants in Taylorsville can offer a stable, long-lasting solution that enhances both function and aesthetics.