Missing teeth on either the upper or lower jaw can make people feel self-conscious about their smile. Missing teeth can also cause problems with chewing, particularly if more than one tooth is missing. Over time, the gums can also recede where teeth are missing creating changes in speech and even changing the shape of the face.
People in and around Newport Beach can choose dental implants as a way to correct the problem of missing teeth. These long-lasting, permanent teeth are customized to match perfectly with existing teeth to give you a great smile and healthy dental functioning.
The process of installing dental implants has changed over time and with modern technology. Understanding the basics will help you decide if this is the right process to restore your missing teeth.
Initial Consultation
Patients will see their Newport Beach dentist to determine if they are a candidate for implants. They will need healthy gums and jawbones before the process can begin. Bone grafts can be used to build up the jawbone for most people if required.
The dentist will also take an impression of your mouth to ensure the shape, color, and size of the crown for the implant will match perfectly with your existing teeth.
Placing the Implant
At the next visit, the dentist will place the implant in the jawbone. This is done with minimally invasive surgery, and a temporary crown is placed on the post. The bone in the jaw will fuse with the titanium post, holding it in place like the root of a tooth.
The final visit is to place the crown or crowns on the dental implants. Once in place, the final crown will blend in perfectly with your natural teeth.
