Have you been thinking about restoring missing teeth with dental implants? Your San Antonio, TX, dentist, Dr. Christian Pham of Crownridge Dental, can help you complete your smile with implants.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants replace the roots of missing teeth with small titanium posts. Titanium is a lightweight, strong metal that bonds to bones. It’s often used in hip and knee implants, in addition to dental implants.
Implants are added to an opening in your jawbone made during minor oral surgery. It takes a little while for the posts to merge with the bone, but most implants are fully bonded in three to six months.
Now that you have new roots, you’ll need to replace the tops of your teeth, which are called crowns. During a visit to the San Antonio, TX, dental office, your dentist will make an impression of your mouth and send it to the lab that will create your crowns. They’ll also add an attachment to the tops of the implants that will connect them to the crowns. A few weeks later, both parts will be attached, and you’ll be able to use your new tooth.
Why are dental implants a good option?
Dental implants are the only restoration method that replaces the roots and the crowns of teeth. If you only replace the visible parts of missing teeth, your biting power may decline. Thanks to your new roots, you’ll be able to continue to eat your favorite foods without noticing a decrease in your biting ability.
Implants also help protect your jawbone. The titanium posts press on your jawbone just like natural roots and prevent the jawbone from shrinking due to lack of stimulation.
If cost is an important consideration, dental implants are often the least expensive long-term option. Since implants bond to your jawbone, they’ll probably never need to be replaced, unlike other tooth restoration options that may need to be replaced several times throughout your life.
Caring for dental implants is just as easy as taking care of your natural teeth. Daily brushing and flossing and regular checkups will keep your new teeth in excellent condition.
Fill the gaps in your smile with dental implants! Call your dentist in San Antonio, TX, Dr. Pham of Crownridge Dental, at (210) 538-7500 to schedule your appointment.