A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that provides a permanent base for a fixed, replacement tooth. Unlike dentures, crowns, and bridges, dental implants are an effective and permanent long-term solution for people have missing teeth, damaged teeth or chronic oral health problems. Additionally, because implants fit, feel, and function just like real teeth, they have quickly become the gold standard in tooth replacement treatments.
So what makes dental implants feel so completely comfortable and secure? The Foleck Center uses a top-quality medical-grade titanium fixture that actually fuses with the jawbone tissues over time. This secure connection forms an incredibly strong and durable anchor for your new tooth. This also means that there is no slippage, pinching, movement or discomfort. Dental implants also present no problems eating, no extra maintenance and need for regular repair.
Here are the three parts that make up a dental implant:
- The fixture (root): This is a small screw that serves as the root piece for your new tooth. This piece permanently attaches to your jawbone.
- The abutment (middle piece): This piece is the connector that supports and holds the replacement tooth.
- The crown (replacement tooth): This is the part of the tooth that you can see. It’s usually made of porcelain so that the tooth is strong and natural-looking.
What Are Dental Implants Made of?
Dental implants are made of titanium, which is strong, lightweight, and biocompatible material. This means that it is not easily rejected by the tissues in the body. The part of the tooth that sits above the gum line is usually composed of porcelain or a porcelain-type material. This creates a strong chewing surface that can also match surrounding teeth perfectly.
Who Can Get Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a great option because they can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or a full upper set of teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Patients that are best suited for dental implants are missing a tooth, have good oral hygiene, decent overall health, and a willingness to follow doctor’s orders. If you would like more information about candidacy for dental implants, please see our page about what makes a good dental implant candidate.
Dental Implants and The Power of Osseointegration
The way that the bone tissues in your jaw fuse with the fixture piece is called osseointegration and is the main reason dental implants are extremely successful. When patients lose teeth, the portion of the jawbone that supported those teeth can deteriorate and lose volume over time. Luckily, the process of osseointegration stabilizes the bone and prevents further loss of bone density.
This also means that patients can fill in sunken facial features and reduce the premature wrinkles that are prevalent with missing teeth. Dental implants can also provide assistance to help you eat, chew, smile, talk normally once more. And finally, patients can look years younger with the positive changes that occur with dental implants.
How Long Does the Dental Implants Process Take?
The total time it takes to get dental implants usually varies for each individual patient. Patients who need more than one tooth replaced or who need supplemental procedures may also need additional healing time. If supplemental procedures are not needed, then the placement process can take 6 to 8 months. If you would like to know more about supplemental procedures, please feel free to check out our supplemental procedures page.
Can I Get Started Now?
Your first step to getting started with dental implants should be to schedule a consultation with Dr. Foleck. This initial examination will allow us to examine you find out if dental implants are a good option for your needs. This examination also involves a complete inspection of your mouth to see if the tissues are sufficient for successful dental implants placement. If your gum or jawbone tissues are not healthy, one or more supplemental procedures may be necessary before you can undergo the dental implant placement procedure.
Come to The Foleck Center Today for Dental Implant Questions
If you live in the Norfolk or Hampton, VA area and want to experience the benefits of dental implants for yourself, please feel free to call us for a consultation. We offer great payment plans and a knowledgeable staff to answer all your questions! Now is a great time to get started on your best smile ever with stunning dental implants from The Foleck Center!
