Dental Implants: Will my replacement teeth look natural?

One’s appearance is a common concern after tooth loss. Although some tooth replacement options appear unnatural, dental implants can look just like biological teeth. The visible part of a dental implant can be constructed from porcelain – a tooth-colored material that’s indistinguishable from adjacent biological teeth. Our patients with dental implants enjoy a restored, natural looking smile along with a host of other benefits.

What makes up dental implants?

A dental implant has two main components. The first is a small titanium post. This post is embedded into the jawbone to replicate the structure of a tooth’s roots. The other component is a restoration such as a crown or a prosthetic such as a bridge.

Restorations and prosthetics attached to dental implants replace the visible structures of missing teeth. They also provide the biting surfaces necessary to eat food. When restorations or prosthetics are made from materials like porcelain or porcelain fused to metal, patients enjoy lifelike replacement teeth that enhance their appearance.

Are there other benefits associated with implant dentistry?

In addition to restoring a person’s smile, dental implants offer patients a number of benefits. Since they are durable, they last for decades. Dental implants serve as sturdy anchors for restorations and prosthetics so that people can enjoy meals with limited dietary restrictions.

Implant dentistry promotes oral health benefits as well. Implants are placed in the jawbone, which prevents bone deterioration by keeping bone stimulated. Bone loss is a serious concern for those with missing teeth and can negatively affect wellness and oral function.

Implants and their restorations/prosthetics support neighboring teeth, too, by keeping them from migrating into empty tooth sockets.

How do I know if dental implants meet my needs?

While dental implants are the best option for replacing lost teeth, they aren’t right for everyone. Candidates for dental implants should be free of advanced gum disease, non-smokers, and healthy enough to undergo minor oral surgery. If you have questions about whether dental implants are right for you, we recommend scheduling a tooth replacement consultation with our oral surgeon.