Are Dental Implants Lifelike Replacements for Missing Teeth?

A gap in your smile can draw the eye of onlookers and leave you feeling very self-conscious about your appearance. Dental implants in Flagstaff can fill in these spaces – but will they draw any less attention? Or will people notice that you’ve have dental work done? Well, there’s no need to worry; when placed and restored properly, your dental implants will blend right in with your natural teeth! Learn more about the aesthetic benefits of your new pearly whites.

What are the Parts of a Dental Implant?

As a whole, dental implants are made of three components: the actual implant post, the abutment, and the restoration. The post is made of metal and is the part that directly interacts with the jaw. It essentially acts as new tooth roots. The restoration – which can be a crown, bridge or denture supported by an appropriate number of posts – is the actual replacement tooth that will be used for chewing and speaking. Joining these two components together is an attachment called an abutment.

How Will a Dental Implant Look in Your Mouth?

Most of the metal post will be hidden beneath the gum line and the restoration. Most people will only see your new crown, bridge or denture. For dental implants, all-ceramic or zirconia restorations are usually recommended. Not only are these materials durable and comfortable, but they’re also tooth-colored and can be shaded appropriately to match the rest of your smile. As such, a well-done implant won’t stand out. The goal is for others not to notice that it’s an implant at all!

What are Other Benefits of Dental Implants?

In addition to the aesthetic improvement, there are plenty of other reasons why dental implants are often recommended over more traditional options:

• Implants offer better chewing power and will let you eat and drink virtually anything you want without trouble.
• Unlike dentures that sit on the gums or bridges supported by natural teeth, implants will stimulate the jawbone and stop it from breaking down.
• Caring for implants is very easy; just brush and floss like you would normally and visit your dentist in Flagstaff at least twice a year.
• A well-maintained dental implant lasts for a very long time. Thirty years is the most predicted timeframe, but they could also stay for the rest of your life without needing to be replaced.

Dental implants are one of the most natural-looking and stable forms of tooth replacement; if you think you might need one in the future, it’s a good idea to research the placement procedure ahead of time. Many dentists refer their patients to specialists to take care of the surgery, then handle the creation and placement of the crown themselves; schedule a consultation to ask about the process so that you can make a plan if and when you need to!