Dental implants have redefined the landscape of restorative dentistry, offering a lifelike solution for missing teeth. However, despite their growing popularity, many people still wonder what dental implants look like.
What are tooth implants?
At its core, teeth implants are a complete tooth replacement solution. It does not just replace the visible part of the tooth (the crown), but also the root. Thereby, providing a stable and durable foundation. This unique design makes dental fixtures the closest thing to your natural teeth.
Benefits
This procedure offers many benefits over traditional dentures or bridges. Some of them include:
- Enhances appearance: Fixtures give you a more assured grin since they feel and look like real teeth.
- Improves speech: Missing teeth can affect your ability to speak clearly, but dental fixtures can restore your ability to speak naturally.
- Enhances comfort: They are a permanent option that is stable and pleasant.
- Improves oral health: This dental procedure may not compromise the integrity of the surrounding teeth.
- Improves eating: Missing teeth can make it difficult to eat certain foods, but dental fixtures can restore your ability to enjoy a wide range of foods.
Procedure
There are often multiple phases involved in the procedure for a dental implant that further describes how they look like. The stages include the:
- Consultation: During your initial consultation, your dentist will examine your mouth and jaw to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
- Implant placement: They are surgically inserted into the jawbone, where they gradually merge with the bone over several months.
- Abutment placement: An abutment is fastened to the top of the implant once it has merged with the bone. This acts as a link between the replacement tooth and the implant.
- Crown placement: The final step is the placement of the dental crown, which is custom-made to match the colour and shape of your surrounding teeth.
Components
To know what teeth implants look like, picture them in main parts which are: the implant itself, the abutment, and the crown. Let’s examine each of these in more detail:
1. Implant
The implant is a screw-like structure made of titanium, a biocompatible material that the body easily accepts. The dentist will surgically place this piece into the jawbone. Over time, it fuses with the bone in a process known as osseointegration. The final result is a solid, secure root for your new tooth that’s hidden beneath the gum line, similar to the root of a natural tooth.
2. The Abutment
Once the implant fully integrates with the bone, they connect the abutment to the implant. This piece serves as the link between the implant and the crown. The abutment by design, protrudes just above the gum line to hold the crown securely in place.
3. Crown
The crown is the visible part of the dental implant and by design, mimics the appearance of your natural tooth. These crowns are custom-made to match the colour, shape, and size of the surrounding teeth, ensuring they blend seamlessly into your smile. They are typically made from durable materials like porcelain or ceramic, which are not only resilient but also offer the same sparkle and translucency as natural tooth enamel.
Types of implants
Single-unit
Single-unit implants are a common and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. The look of single-unit dental implants in Newmarket, by design, closely mimics the natural look of a tooth. This type of dental implant replaces a single tooth, thereby, providing a stable and natural-looking replacement. The process involves the placement of a titanium implant into the jawbone, which acts as a strong foundation for the prosthetic tooth. Next, they top this implant with a custom-made dental crown.
The crown matches the colour and shape of the surrounding teeth, seamlessly blending in with the rest of the smile. Single-unit implants are not only aesthetically pleasing but also offer functional benefits, allowing patients to bite and chew with ease.
All-on-4
The All-on-4 popular option offers patients a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing smile. This innovative approach provides a solution for patients who are missing a full arch of teeth or experiencing extensive tooth loss. With All-on-4, four dental implants strategically placed in the jaw support a full set of teeth. This means that patients can enjoy the benefits of a complete set of teeth, including improved aesthetics, functionality, and confidence.
The All-on-4 Implants not only provide a permanent and stable solution, but they also eliminate the need for traditional dentures or multiple dental fixtures. This makes them a cost-effective and efficient option for those seeking full smile restoration.
What do dental implants look like in your mouth?
Once the dental implant process is complete, all you’ll see in your mouth is the crown. The implant and abutment are hidden beneath the gum line, offering a clean, natural look. By design, the crown blends in flawlessly with your other teeth. Therefore, it’s virtually impossible for anyone to tell the difference between an implant and a natural tooth just by looking at your smile.
Moreover, because teeth implants mimic the structure of real teeth, they generally feel and function like natural teeth when you’re speaking or eating. Compared to other tooth replacement methods, dental implants have this benefit. Therefore, dental implants look like your natural teeth by design.
Caring for your implants
Since implants look like your real teeth, caring for them is similar to caring for natural teeth. Here are some pointers to maintain the health of your implants:
- Brush your teeth two times a day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth at least twice every day.
- Floss daily: Floss between your teeth and around the implant at least once a day.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Visit your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods: Avoid eating hard or sticky foods that can damage your implant.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of implant failure, so it’s best to quit smoking if you are a smoker.
With proper care, they can last a lifetime. In the case of a dental implant emergency, see a dentist immediately.
Final thoughts
To sum up, a dental implant looks, feels, and works remarkably like a natural tooth. Yet, beneath the surface, it reveals a complex structure designed to provide unbeatable stability, durability, and functionality. Its design makes it an excellent solution for anyone seeking to replace missing teeth and regain a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
Dental implants are undoubtedly a marvel of modern dentistry, and understanding how they look and work is the first step towards appreciating their benefits. Whether you’re considering dental implants or are just curious, we hope that this helps unlock the mystery of what dental implants look like. Call Oasispark Dental now to book an appointment to begin your journey toward a restored smile!
