Because tooth loss is such a serious oral health issue, it is crucial that patients seek prompt restorative treatment for an incomplete smile. If left unaddressed, tooth loss can lead to additional dental damage, as well as gum tissue and jawbone deterioration.
The leading tooth replacement treatment in dentistry today is the dental implant. Our Mill Valley dental implant dentists are here with some information about how these replacement teeth work. We hope that you find this overview helpful!
The dental implant is a replacement tooth that is designed to mimic the structure of a natural tooth. Every dental implant has a small titanium screw, or post, that extends into the patient’s jawbone tissue. This titanium base serves as the replacement tooth root.
Why titanium? Well, titanium actually has the unique ability to bond with natural bone tissue through a process called osseointegration. So, once your implant root is in place, it will start to become an integral part of your dental structure.
As you can imagine, the titanium root of the dental implant provides exceptional stability for the patient. It also allows the patient to use the dental implant just like a real tooth; you’ll be able to eat and drink normally, as well as clean your smile by brushing, flossing, and using mouth rinse.
The titanium implant root is capped with a natural-looking, durable restoration. Thanks to technological advancements in the field of dentistry, our team is able to customize every aspect of the restoration—from the size, to the shape, to the color—in order to match your smile. Patients are often surprised at just how seamlessly dental implants coordinate with their existing smiles.
Dental implant technology continues to move forward. At this point, a patient can use standard implant roots or mini dental implants (which are much thinner than conventional roots). Which root is right for you will depend on the current state of your smile, the size of the tooth you’re replacing, and your ideal treatment timeline.
Our Mill Valley dental implant dentists are here to give you any additional information and support that you may need as you work to restore and rebuild your smile. The best way to contact our team is by giving us a call, or using the Contact Us page on our website. We look forward to speaking with you!