If you’re missing one or more teeth and you want a long-term solution, consider dental implants. These replacement teeth are strong, durable, and natural-looking.
A titanium post is surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of your missing tooth. The post then integrates with your bone to serve as a stable anchor for the artificial tooth.
They Replace a Single Tooth
When a single tooth is missing, dental implants can replace it with a ceramic crown. This solution offers several advantages over other tooth replacement options.
The first step involves an initial consultation with a Monterey Peninsula Dental Group dentist and oral surgeon. They will thoroughly examine the patient’s mouth and determine if they are a candidate for implants.
X-rays and impressions (molds) will be taken to assess the amount and density of bone available for placement. If necessary, a bone graft may be performed to create the proper level of bone for the implant.
Next, a titanium post is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. The implant fuses with the surrounding jawbone, and over time, the bone around the implant grows to anchor it securely in place.
After the dental implants in Monterey, CA, have healed and integrated with the jaw, a second procedure is performed by the Monterey Peninsula Dental Group dentist to place an artificial tooth called an implant crown. The crown will be custom designed to look and function like a natural tooth.
They Can Support a Bridge
If you are missing multiple teeth, an implant-supported bridge can replace each tooth on either side of the gap. Traditional bridges require healthy teeth to be reshaped to fit the prosthetic. This puts additional pressure on the teeth and can cause them to wear down over time.
Dental implants in Monterey, CA, are a better option because they do not sacrifice healthy tooth structure. This reduces the risk of root canals requiring replacement and helps prevent jaw bone loss from occurring where the missing tooth is located.
The dental implant is surgically placed into the jaw bone and allowed to integrate with the surrounding bone for several months. This allows the implant to provide the jaw bone with natural stimulation.
They Can Support a Full Arch
If you are missing all of your teeth on the upper or lower arch, full-arch dental implants may be an option for you. This is a permanent solution to tooth loss that will restore the function and aesthetic of your smile.
This treatment combines a series of 4-6 dental implants in each jaw with a set of temporary dentures. This allows your mouth time to heal before a permanent denture is attached.
These dentures will snap directly on top of the dental implants, holding them in place and making them more comfortable than traditional dentures. They also won’t shift around, allowing you to talk and chew confidently without discomfort or embarrassment.
During this process, you will need to take special precautions when chewing with your temporary dentures to avoid damaging your implants. After a few months, your dentist will replace your temporary dentures with a permanent set. This is a great way to start a new life with a healthy, beautiful smile!
They Are Versatile
If you’ve ever experienced the loss of a tooth, you know how important that bit of dental real estate is to your smile. When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there are a number of solutions to choose from, but few offer the stability and durability of a dental implant.
Our team at Monterey Peninsula Dental Group is here to help you get back to your best smile. Using state-of-the-art technology and the latest in dental implants, we’ll show you how to restore your confidence with a new set of teeth that look and feel natural.
To start, we’ll take X-rays to determine the bone and gum tissue levels in your mouth, which will allow us to plan a treatment strategy. The most exciting part of the process is seeing the results. In a nutshell, an implant is the modern day replacement tooth in the form of a tiny titanium post that is surgically placed into your jawbone to mimic the function and appearance of natural tooth roots. The titanium post then serves as a sturdy anchor for your new crown, which our restorative dentist in Monterey will fit on with precision.
