What’s the best way to replace a missing tooth? If you qualify, it’s definitely the dental implant. Realistic and well-functioning, dental implants in Montrose from Tamborello & Bowen Cosmetic Dentistry boast a high success rate and last for years.
Do You Know What a Dental Implant Is?
Dental implant technology has been around for decades but has gained in popularity, success, and precision over the past 30 years or so. Simply put, the dental implant is an artificial tooth. Unlike partial dentures or fixed bridge work which only rest on top of the gums, the dental implant resides right in the patient’s jaw bone. This foundation makes the implant stable and secure, and it also strengthens the underlying jaw bone. Other tooth replacement options do nothing to preserve bone or gum tissue.
The single-tooth dental implant has three parts:
- A titanium screw placed in the patient’s jaw during an in-office surgery
- A metal alloy post which extends beyond the gums
- A porcelain crown
Fortunately, your dentist in Montrose has the skills and experience to execute the dental implant procedure from initial evaluation to final restoration of the implant device. The first part of the oral surgery involves incising the gums and inserting the titanium screw into the jaw. Then, the dentist sutures the site closed.
Over the next several weeks to months, the implant and bone bond through a natural process called osseointegration. Years of careful research and placement of implants has shown osseointegration to be the secret behind the stability and longevity of these prosthetics.
After integration of the implant to the jaw, Dr. Tamborello or Dr. Bowen places the post and custom-made porcelain crown to finish the single-tooth implant
Also, dental implants are versatile. Multiple dental implants support fixed bridges or full or partial dentures, giving patients superior biting, chewing, speech, and appearance. As a matter of fact, if you looked closely at a dental implant patient, you’d be hard-pressed to decide which of his or her teeth is the dental implant.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Implants?
The professional team at Tamborello & Bowen Cosmetic Dentistry evaluates patients through oral examination, digital X-rays, and three-dimensional imaging. In general, a person in good oral health (no gum disease or extensive decay) and with sufficient jaw bone can receive a dental implant.
People with poorly controlled diabetes, HIV, or other serious health conditions generally are not good candidates. Smokers can receive dental implants, but the dentists encourage smoking cessation because tobacco usage–either cigarettes or smokeless tobacco–threatens implant retention.
Are Dental Implants Successful?
The American Association of Endodontists says that dental implants succeed and stay in place up to 98 percent of the time. Failure rates are low when patients brush twice a day and floss daily to remove harmful plaque. While implants can’t get cavities, they can develop an infection called peri-implantitis, a condition similar to gum disease. Peri-implantitis often necessitates removal of implant devices. Dr. Tamborello and Dr. Bowen also recommend semi-annual check-ups and cleanings as they do for all their patients.
Do You Need Tooth Replacement?
Why not let our skilled team show you the advantages of dental implants? They just might be the tooth replacement option you want and need. Please contact Tamborello & Bowen Cosmetic Dentistry today to arrange a restorative dentistry consultation.