A smile makeover may consist of something as simple as one or more tooth whitening sessions. But frequently, a true smile makeover means more extensive work, techniques, and procedures. Very often, the smile of an individual is affected negatively by lost or decayed teeth. When this happens, it’s time to break out the big guns! It’s time for dental implants.
Tooth Implants
A couple of surefire ways to improve a smile that has been destroyed by decayed or missing teeth is with bridges, partial bridges, or tooth implants. Today we are going to take a closer look at the latter.
Teeth simply don’t grow back after your adult teeth come in. Once an adult tooth goes missing, it’s gone forever. But with tooth implants and today’s advanced technology, dentists can now match the rest of your teeth (tint/shade, texture, etc.) so closely that no one will be able to tell you have a tooth implant.
Teeth, in their natural form, basically consist of two parts. The tooth root and the tooth itself. Some options of tooth replacement only deal with the visible tooth. But both the root and the tooth are replaced in the case of a tooth implant.
We are going to break a tooth implant down into its basic anatomy:
The Post for the Implant
The easiest way to describe the implant post for a tooth or dental implant is to compare it to a little screw. Naturally compatible with your body, titanium is the material from which these posts are made. This little screw is going to act as the root of your new tooth and will be carefully located into a calculated place in your gums via surgical implant. Eventually, your jawbone fuses with this titanium post and provides a steadfast means of support for the soon to be above-placed tooth restoration. Once it is in place, this implant post is not visible. Regardless, when it comes to tooth implant’s anatomy, it serves the most critical function.
The Abutment
After healing and fusing begin, as referenced above, the next part of the tooth implant to be dealt with is the attachment of an abutment. Connecting the tooth restoration (see next step) to the implant post is the job of this little metal piece. Until the rest of the tooth restoration is in place, just above the gum line, this little piece will protrude slightly. Depending on your chosen tooth restoration, different shapes apply to various abutments.
Finalizing the Restoration
Finally, this is the part of the entire process that is viewed by everyone. This faux tooth is secured to the abutment and will be carefully customized to match the contour and color of the rest of your teeth. In most cases, it is a porcelain crown. If multiple teeth are missing, dentures or an implant supported bridge may be used. The health and condition of surrounding teeth can play an important part in the kind of tooth restoration that will be suitable for each patient. Your dentist or orthodontist will be able to advise you in this matter.
Could you or a loved one use a smile makeover. Dr. Alex Rubinov can give you a smile to be proud of. We offer general dentistry and a slew of specialized treatments. For an appointment or consultation, contact us today.