Consider dental implants at Lethbridge Periodontal Associates for a permanent and natural looking replacement for your missing teeth.
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed to support a replacement tooth (a cap) or a bridge.
A dental implant may be a viable option for patients in good general health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, dental decay, or injury.
After the implants are permanently placed into the jaw, a custom-made denture is attached, using the implants as anchors.
The implants hold the denture firmly in place, allowing the patient to chew and speak comfortably.
Dental implants are made of commercially pure titanium, which is biocompatible with bone tissue. They are threaded like a screw in order to stabilize the implant while the bone around it heals.
The abutment, which screws on to the implant for the purpose of holding the crown, is made either out of titanium, gold or ceramic.
The crown is the portion that will look and function like a tooth. Crowns are usually made of porcelain sometimes with a metal substructure.
Replacing missing teeth is essential when it comes to maintaining your oral health. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth may begin to shift into the space left behind, causing bite misalignment issues, damage to the teeth themselves, and a greater risk of tooth decay.
In addition, the bone that once supported the missing tooth can begin to deteriorate when the tooth is not replaced, resulting in eventual facial collapse.
While it is essential that missing teeth be replaced as soon as possible, each patient is different and each has unique needs. There are many tooth replacement options available and we can help you determine which would be the best fit for you.
Contact us today to book an appointment.