If you’re seeking out a low-maintenance dental solution for missing teeth, dental implants are a great option! Dental implants in Northampton are able to enhance both your appearance and the function of your smile. They are crafted out of durable materials that can last a lifetime with the proper care and maintenance. They seamlessly blend in with the rest of your smile because we custom-fit them just for you!
Single tooth implants are the most common type of dental implant. They have two primary parts, the implant that attaches to the bone, and the dental crown, which affixes over the titanium post. The implant is a titanium “post” shaped similar to a screw. The dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that attaches to the implant post to complete the final restoration.
Single tooth implants are embedded directly into the jaw, acting as the tooth’s root. When the site heals, the crown will be attached over the post via an “abutment.” Crowns are highly durable and look like natural teeth. Due to their stability, crowns can last for decades, while implants can last a lifetime.
Many patients opt for full-arch implants if they are missing the majority, or all, of their teeth. When compared to dentures, full-arch implants won’t slide around in the mouth, which is a huge factor when patients consider them both.
Full-arch implants look and feel more natural than their traditional counterparts. This is because the dental implants serve as natural roots to support fixed dental bridges or a set of implant-supported overdentures. They will keep the natural movement of your mouth, not shifting when you eat or speak.
The implant and the titanium “post” are the two main parts of your dental implant. The titanium post is the implant that is placed into your jaw. It’s crafted out of titanium because this material has proven to be a sturdy foundation for your replacement teeth; these are pre-made to fit your mouth.
After your implant has been placed, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab to create a restoration that will mold seamlessly into your jaw. The restoration is generally made out of porcelain or composite material. The durability and realistic appearance of the crown will serve just as well as natural teeth.
If the implant component is placed properly and the wearer practices good dental hygiene, it will last a significant amount of time. It’s actually very common for patients to keep them for a lifetime.
The restoration, dental crowns or bridges, can last for decades! However, they may need to be replaced eventually due to normal wear and tear. This is to ensure that you continue to have healthy oral hygiene and a brilliant smile.
Unfortunately, It’s possible for dental implants to become infected. “Peri-implantitis” is a rare condition where the implant becomes infected due to poor aftercare following the procedure.
Although this condition is rare, it’s important to carefully follow your dentist’s instructions during your recovery. Keep up with good oral hygiene habits, like regular brushing and flossing, even after your dental implants have healed. By doing this, you won’t have to worry about an infection.
Dental implants are the only dental restoration that prevents bone loss. Bone loss occurs after losing a tooth. Because of this, your jaw is no longer stimulated by the natural habits of chewing and biting, causing your jaw bone to weaken from lack of use.
This is solved with dental implants because they bond directly to the jaw, serving as a sturdy root. The pressure of chewing and biting is transferred to the jaw, once again providing that much-needed movement to keep your bone from losing density.
In some cases, dental implants can be completed in one day. But typically, these restorations will be a temporary prosthetic to protect the implant site and keep your bite functional until the permanent restoration. The temporary restoration is implemented so that you are able to eat and speak while the implant is permanently healing and bonding to your jaw.
While the implant is healing, your dentist will schedule a series of follow-up visits. Your dentist will monitor the healing process which usually lasts about 3 to 6 months. During this time, your dentist will take impressions so that your personalized restorations can be created. These permanent restorations will be placed in your next procedure so that you can have the brilliant, enduring smile you want.