With advancements in dental technology and materials, dental implants have become by far the best option to replace missing teeth. When a tooth is lost, your chewing becomes less efficient and bone starts to dissolve in the area. The surrounding teeth will take more load during chewing, and they will tend to shift. If a lost tooth is not replaced, the surrounding teeth are at higher risk of being lost, too.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a synthetic tooth root in the shape of a post that is surgically placed into the jawbone. The “root” is usually made of titanium: the same material used in many replacement hips and knees, and a metal that is well-suited to pairing with human bone. A crown, or restoration, is then fixed to the post. In addition, dental implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration which occurs when teeth are missing.
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved.
Dr. Salazar has been working with implant restorations since 2002 and has built relationships with the finest oral surgeons in the Renton, WA area for the surgical aspect of implant placement. The surgical team we work with uses only the best techniques and materials available, which are designed to promote the most favorable response from the body and reduce healing time and discomfort.
Evaluation for Dental Implants
If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by either Dr. Juan Carlos Salazar or by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon referred by our practice. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
Implants vs. Dentures and Bridges
Implants have several advantages to other replacement methods. Bridges and dentures need to connect or rest on other teeth, which usually means reducing or crowning other teeth that may otherwise not require any treatment. Implants act like a prosthetic root, which prevents the bone loss that normally occurs when a tooth is lost. Unlike a bridge, an implant crown is not connected to other teeth, so you can clean and floss around it like a natural tooth. Implants can’t get cavities, and if you care for them, they have the potential to last a lifetime!
Dental Implant Procedure
After your consultations with Dr. Salazar and your oral surgeon, the implant process can begin. The surgical placement of the implant takes about an hour, and anesthetic is used to make the process pain-free. After the implant site has healed, you’ll return to our Renton dental office, where Dr. Salazar will make the implant restoration. The crown is then created and affixed to the implant, and your restoration is complete.
Your new tooth will look and function just like your natural teeth and should be cared for in the same way as your natural teeth. Implants require the same daily brushing and flossing, and the same amount of regular checkups. Just like your natural teeth, the better you take care of your replacements, the longer they will last.
There are many implant products, materials, and techniques out there. At Highlands Family Dental Center, you will only get the best—the ones that have a long record of success and are backed up by science. Learn more about your dental implant options at our Renton, WA dental office!