Facing tooth loss can be a difficult time for patients, and it can be overwhelming to decide on the best tooth replacement option for your individual needs. At Cannon Dental, Dr. David Cannon helps patients in the Salt Lake City, Holladay, West Valley, Bountiful, and surrounding UT communities decide on the best path forward when it comes to restoring their smile. Among the many choices, dental implants are one of the most popular tooth replacement options in modern dentistry, for many reasons! Read on to learn more about this highly functional and aesthetically pleasing way to replace missing teeth.
What are dental implants and how do they work?
A natural tooth has two main components: the crown, which is the visible portion that you see above the gumline, and the root, which anchors the tooth firmly into your jaw bone. A dental implant restoration serves as a replacement for the tooth root so that your new tooth is incredibly strong and stable. It does this by actually fusing together with the bone in a process called osseointegration, which occurs naturally during the healing process after the implant is surgically placed in your jaw bone. The end result is a new tooth that is:
- Highly functional: when it comes to tooth replacement options, dental implants offer the best functionality and most closely mimic a natural tooth so you don’t have to worry about limiting what you eat or accidental slippage while you are speaking or eating
- Long-lasting: when you take care of your teeth and gums with good home hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, a dental implant can last a lifetime
- Good for your oral health: because it stimulates the jaw bone every time you chew, a dental implant helps prevent the degradation that can naturally occur in bone over time after tooth loss
- Aesthetically appealing: we use modern dental technologies to fabricate your replacement tooth so it looks natural and blends in seamlessly with your smile; in addition, replacing a missing tooth can help preserve your facial structure and prevent a “sunken in” appearance in your cheeks
The dental implant process
Getting dental implants placed involves multiple visits to Cannon Dental over the course of several months, but patients find that the end result is worth the wait!
First, we will perform an in-depth evaluation and consultation to determine whether a dental implant is right for you. Some patients may choose a traditional dental implant, whereas others may prefer mini implants; Dr. Cannon can explain the pros and cons of each and recommend which is best for your individual oral health needs.
Either Dr. Cannon or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon will surgically place the dental implant into your jaw bone. After it heals and the osseointegration process is complete, which can take three to six months, we attach a small post called an abutment to the implant in a second minor surgical procedure. At that point, we will take impressions of your teeth and your final tooth restoration, typically a crown, will be made. Once your abutment has healed and your replacement tooth is ready, we attach it to the abutment.
To learn more about dental implants and other tooth restoration options available at Cannon Dental, call us at (801) 406-9985 or book an appointment online with our convenient scheduling feature.
Dental Implants - Educational Video
Dental Implants
Dental implants are titanium roots that are replaced within the jaw bones to resemble a tooth or a group of teeth. A screw is inserted through the gums and into the jaw bone. A porcelain crown is then attached to the screw to become the new tooth or teeth. They can be used to support dental prestices including crowns, dentures and bridges. Today’s treatments are so natural looking no one will know you had surgery. There is approximately a 95 percent success rate for all implants with modern advancements in dentistry some implants can be restored immediately with life like all porcelain crowns. For more details ask your dentist.
