What Do Dental Implants Look Like?
Dental implants have become a transformative option for patients struggling with the aesthetic, emotional, and health concerns associated with missing teeth. This blog discusses the components of dental implants and what they look like to ease the concerns of prospective patients.
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Restoring Your Smile
Your smile is a key part of your appearance and often is one of the first things others notice when meeting you. Since it is such a central facial feature that can dictate your personality and emotions, many people consider its appearance to be important. When you lose one or multiple teeth, it can be difficult to feel fully confident in your smile. Alongside aesthetic concerns, missing teeth can cause oral health issues like deterioration of the jawbone and periodontal disease.
Restoring a full, healthy-looking smile can do wonders for your self-esteem and your oral health. Dr. Salamati, a periodontist in Los Angeles, offers dental implants to help patients restore their smiles and rebuild their confidence.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are prosthetic devices used to replace missing or damaged teeth. They can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a full mouth of teeth. The crowns for dental implants are the visible parts of the teeth, and they are typically made out of ceramic or porcelain to resemble natural teeth. Patients can be candidates for dental implants if they are missing one or more teeth or have significant tooth damage and require tooth replacements.
Once you receive your dental implants, you should care for them like regular teeth. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing between all teeth, and attending dental cleanings every three months are all essential for maintaining both your natural teeth and dental implants.
What Do They Look Like?
Some patients may be hesitant to seek dental implant treatment due to being worried about the way the implants look and if they’ll stand out next to natural teeth. This is an understandable concern since most people seeking tooth replacements want to have them look as natural as possible.
When it comes to dental implants, you’ll be happy to learn that there is no reason to be concerned about their appearance. Dental implants are specifically designed to mimic the appearance of real teeth and blend in seamlessly next to your natural teeth. The titanium implant is fully concealed as it fuses into the jawbone, so it is not visible when you smile, talk, chew, or perform any other functions. The crown, also known as the visible part of dental implants, is precisely selected to match the exact shade of your natural teeth, allowing for a cohesive and natural-looking smile.
Components of Dental Implants
There is a multi-step process for placing dental implants into the mouth, involving:
- A titanium implant
- An abutment (a small metal post)
- A crown
The implants are inserted into the mouth and take three to six months to fully bond with the bone. During this three to six-month period, a temporary crown is placed so you don’t have to wait to restore the appearance of a full smile.
After the implant has fused with your jawbone, you’ll receive your final crown, which will be connected to the implant with the abutment. This is the final step of the process, allowing you to enjoy your restored, healthy smile.
Have More Questions About Dental Implants in Los Angeles, CA?
Do you have damaged or missing teeth that are affecting your self-esteem and oral health? If so, it may be time to consider dental implants. To learn more about dental implants and your options in Los Angeles, call Dr. Salamati’s office at (310) 275-1090 or complete the online message form today.