At Center Valley Dental, we understand how important a complete, healthy smile is for your confidence and well-being. Missing teeth can affect not only how your smile looks but also how it functions. That’s why we offer dental implants as a reliable, long-lasting solution to replace missing teeth. Dr. Lang and Dr. Ren specialize in restorative dentistry. With dental implants, we can help you restore your smile and regain the comfort and function of natural teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a replacement for a missing tooth root. It is placed in the jaw bone. Over a few months, the bone grows and fuses to the implant. Once the area heals, an abutment and a crown are attached to the implant. The result is the most predictable, longest-lasting replacement of a missing tooth. It is no wonder that dental implants in Center Valley are our most popular service!
The typical dental implant is made of three pieces, each serving a specific purpose for the implant as a whole:
- Titanium Fixture: This replacement root is the first piece to be placed and is embedded below the gum line. The gums are then sutured over the site so that the fixture can take root and trigger the process of osseointegration. (You can read more about osseointegration below.)
- Abutment: The abutment is placed over the fixture, filling in the hollow space and creating a foundation for the restoration to be placed. Depending on your treatment plan, another period of healing may be required before capping it with the restoration.
- Restoration: The last part of the process is the crown, which Dr. Lang customizes to ensure that it mimics a real tooth in function and appearance.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
There are several reasons why dental implants are considered the best option for tooth replacement. We’ve compiled a list of some of the top benefits our patients have enjoyed most with their dental implants!
Longevity
Dental implants tend to last longer than other tooth-replacement devices due to osseointegration and their durable materials. Dental implants are placed permanently. They don’t experience the usual wear and tear that other devices like bridges or removable dentures do.
Reliability
Removable dentures can sometimes become loose while eating or talking, but there are no such issues with dental implants. Because of their permanent placement, dental implant patients can eat their favorite foods without worrying about bite pressure or texture.
Oral Health Improvement
Osseointegration, or the fusion of the implant to the jawbone, not only keeps your implant in place but also helps the jawbone recover from deterioration caused by tooth loss. Patients have seen notable improvements in their jawbone volume. This reduces signs of premature aging, such as wrinkling or hollowing cheeks.
Natural Look-and-Feel
Our goal is to ensure that your dental implant is indistinguishable from your natural teeth, creating one seamless smile. Our team at Center Valley Dental will work closely with you to ensure that the crown fits comfortably. Your implant should function like a natural tooth.
What is the Implant Process?
Discover Center Valley Dental’s Dental Implants Process!
- First, the implant (small titanium cylinder or screw that looks like a tooth root) is surgically placed into your jawbone where you lost the tooth. Over the next three to four months, the implant and the bone are allowed to bond together to form an anchor for your artificial tooth. During this time, a temporary tooth replacement option can be worn over the implant site so you do not have a “space” where you are missing your tooth.
- After the maturation process has been completed, the extension on top of the implant is often changed before the restorative part of the case begins. Sometimes, a second step of the procedure is necessary to uncover the implant and attach this same extension. This small metal post, called an abutment, completes the foundation on which your new tooth will be placed. Your gums will then be allowed to heal for a couple of weeks following this procedure.
- Finally, a porcelain prosthesis will be created for you and attached to the implant and the abutment. After this has been cemented in place, you will finally experience restored confidence in your smile and your ability to chew and speak.
Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants
If you are missing teeth and want a permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth, dental implants may be right for you. At Center Valley Dental, Dr. Lang and Dr. Ren use the latest technology and techniques to provide high-quality implant services, all under one roof. Our goal is to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.