Individual Tooth Implants
Once adult teeth grow in, we expect them to last forever. After all, teeth are the hardest substance in the human body, and with tough enamel to protect them, they should function for a lifetime. Your best chance to keep your natural teeth in place is to practice proper oral hygiene, visit the dentists at Fioritto Family Dental regularly, and avoid bad habits like smoking, chewing on hard substances (ice, pen caps, etc.), and overindulging in sweets. Unfortunately, even the best laid plans can be derailed by genetic factors, poor hygiene, disease, medication, injury, and even simple aging which can make individual tooth implants necessary.
Regardless of the cause of tooth loss, most patients want a solution that replaces a missing tooth, restores oral function, and prevents bone loss which can occur following tooth loss. At Fioritto Family Dental, we’re happy to offer an ideal solution – individual tooth implants that look and feel like your natural teeth.
What is a Tooth Implant?
A tooth implant consists of a titanium post implanted in the jaw bone that acts as a stable base for your new false tooth, or crown. The two pieces are connected by an abutment attached to the top of the post.
The beauty of tooth implants is that titanium fuses with the bone in the jaw, virtually replacing the roots that would support a natural tooth. This creates a sturdy base for your crown and helps to prevent bone deterioration that could cause adjacent teeth to lean into the gap. This adversely effects a smile and bite pattern.
A good candidate for tooth implants must display optimal oral health. Any signs of infection must be treated before the procedure, and if tooth loss was the result of trauma, a patient may have to recover first. In addition, bone deterioration begins immediately after tooth loss. As a result, a bone graft may be required prior to receiving the implant.
Once the implant is placed, it could be several months before the post is fully fused to the bone whereby a final crown can be placed. In the interim, you may be given a temporary crown.
Benefits of Tooth Implants
Preventing bone loss and the shifting of adjacent teeth is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits associated with dental implants. Implants themselves are designed to last 20 years or more with proper care, and they may even last a lifetime. Crowns could last up to 15 years or more.
What you’re sure to appreciate, however, is that dental implants look and perform just like natural teeth. Patients can eat and drink normally, smile and laugh with confidence, and even brush and floss as if they were natural teeth.
If you’ve suffered tooth loss and you’re ready to restore your smile, contact Fioritto Family Dental today at 440-951-5511, or reach out to us online to schedule an appointment and learn more about dental implants.