Missing teeth impact more than just the appearance of your smile. They can also make it hard to chew and eat comfortably, and missing teeth can even affect your speech. Over time, gaps cause remaining teeth to shift out of place, and the jawbone beneath a missing tooth will gradually deteriorate, changing the shape of your face.
Dental implants offer an excellent option for replacing missing teeth because, unlike other tooth replacement options, they replace both the tooth and its root. Placed securely in the jawbone, implants help preserve bone strength and provide a stable foundation for natural-looking crowns. With proper care, they can last for decades, restoring your confidence, comfort, and ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
How Does a Dental Implant Work?
A dental implant is comprised of three integral pieces that work together to replace your tooth:
- The implant — A biocompatible titanium post that’s carefully placed into your jawbone to replace your root.
- The abutment — A connector between the implant and its restoration.
- The restoration — A custom porcelain crown for single teeth. Dental implants can also support a bridge or denture to replace multiple teeth.
Once the implant is placed in your jawbone, it begins to integrate and fuse with the bone, replacing the root. This process, called osseointegration, can take three to six months to complete. Dr. Ramsay works with a trusted local specialist to place dental implants. After healing, she designs and places your implant restoration.