Dental Implants: The Gold Standard for Replacing Missing Teeth

In the United States, 120 million people are missing at least one tooth. Missing teeth can impact more than just your smile. They affect your ability to chew, speak, and maintain proper oral health. 

Thankfully, dental implants have become the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, offering a durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing solution.

Here at the Center for Dental Excellence East Lake, Courtney S. Nowicki, DDS, MS, FICOI, and Robert Christ, DMD, FAGD, FICOI, along with a team of dental professionals, often recommend dental implants to patients who have gaps in their smiles. 

Here’s why implants are unmatched when it comes to replacing missing teeth. 

All about dental implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium. The dentists surgically place them into your jawbone to replicate natural teeth. They provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and sheen. 

On top of the implant post rests an abutment to connect and support a replacement tooth (or teeth in the case of implant dentures). Our dentists customize the replacement tooth, or crown, to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. 

The benefits of dental implants

Dental implants look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. The crowns are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, thus giving you a natural appearance.

Implants are incredibly durable and can last a lifetime with proper care. Unlike dentures or bridges, which may need to be replaced periodically, implants provide a long-term solution for missing teeth.

Unlike dental bridges, which rely on adjacent teeth for support, dental implants don’t require altering nearby teeth. This preserves the integrity of your natural teeth and promotes better long-term oral health.

Implants eliminate the discomfort and inconvenience of removable dentures. They function just like natural teeth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence and ease. They also don’t have a long adjustment period like dentures do.

When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in the empty space can deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. Dental implants help preserve and stimulate natural bone growth, preventing bone loss and maintaining the structure of your face.

The process of getting dental implants

Getting implants begins with a comprehensive dental examination and consultation. We evaluate your oral health, take X-rays, and discuss your treatment options. If you have gum disease or inadequate bone in your jaw, you may need additional treatments prior to getting implants.

If you’re approved for implants, they’re placed during a minor surgical procedure. This is usually done under local anesthesia, and most patients experience minimal discomfort.

Over the next few months, the implant post fuses with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong and stable foundation for the replacement tooth.

Once we determine the osseointegration is complete, we attach the abutment to the implant post. We create a custom-made crown to match your natural teeth and bond it securely to the abutment. 

The crown completes your implant process! You’re able to smile, chew, and speak with confidence.

Dental implant care

Take care of your implants just like you do your natural teeth.  Brush and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup and keep your gums healthy. Visit our office regularly for cleanings and checkups to monitor the health of your implants.

While implants are strong, avoid chewing on hard objects that could damage the crown. This includes pens, popcorn kernels, and jawbreakers.

If you’re considering dental implants, schedule a consultation at Center for Dental Excellence East Lake in Tarpon Springs, Florida, to explore how this gold standard in tooth replacement can restore your smile and improve your quality of life. Call today or use the online tool to book your visit.