When you’re missing teeth, normal activities, like eating and talking, can be challenging or embarrassing. But there is a solution. Because they look and function like your natural teeth, dental implants have fast become the preferred fix to missing teeth.
At The Glen Dental in San Jose, California, Aman Bhullar, DMD, Donald Pepper, DDS, and our entire care team want to help our you get back to eating, speaking, and smiling with ease. We’ve curated this guide to help you learn more about today’s dental implants and if they’re the solution you’ve been looking for.
What are dental implants?
Modern dental implants are a wonderful solution for missing adult teeth that look and function just like your natural teeth. Implants are biocompatible titanium screws that act as artificial tooth roots. Your dentist implants the screw into your jawbone, where it fuses to your bone as you heal.
Because they fuse with your body, today’s dental implants are almost identical in functionality to natural tooth roots. After healing, the implant is then topped with a natural-looking dental prosthetic, like a porcelain crown. Together, the implant and prosthetic work just like your natural teeth.
Why choose dental implants over other options?
Dental implants are the option of choice for many patients because they get you closest to your natural teeth. Dr. Bhullar or Dr. Pepper carefully matches the size, shape, and color of your prosthetic to your other natural teeth, making it virtually impossible to differentiate between the implants and natural teeth.
Once your implants are placed, you don’t have to worry about special maintenance or care. With implants, you can chew, smile, and talk with ease since they work just like your natural teeth. And you don’t have to worry about implants slipping or coming out at the wrong time.
Are there benefits beyond appearance and function?
In addition to looking and functioning like natural teeth, dental implants offer many other benefits. For example, dental implants are resistant to stains, helping your teeth stay whiter and brighter. Plus they’re made from a highly durable material that doesn’t decay, making cavities a thing of the past.
Implants are designed to be permanent, so you don’t have to worry about replacements. You’ll be able to enjoy their benefits for a lifetime. Dental implants also stabilize bone mass, keeping your jawbone stronger, longer. And unlike other treatments, your surrounding teeth don’t need to be resized, helping your natural teeth stay healthy and strong.
How do I get started with dental implants?
If you have missing teeth due to tooth decay, gum disease, or injury, Dr. Bhullar or Dr. Pepper first conducts a comprehensive evaluation to assess the health of your gums and jawbone to determine if you qualify for dental implants.
Depending on your history, your dentist may recommend different treatments to ensure the best outcome and a smooth implant process. These may include treating gum disease, extracting any decayed or damaged teeth, or placing a bone graft to stabilize your jawbone.
At The Glen Dental, we use advanced dental implant technology to give you a bright, healthy smile that will last a lifetime. To learn more about dental implants and how they’ll improve your smile, contact our San Jose office today or request an appointment online now.