There are several options for replacing missing teeth, but dental implants traditionally have been seen as the gold standard. At Silicon Valley Dental Associates in Sunnyvale, California, our providers believe that dental implants are the best option for missing teeth. Here’s why.
Dental implants are small rods, usually made of titanium, implanted into your jawbone to provide support for a replacement tooth. Implants are different from traditional bridges in that they don’t rely on your existing healthy teeth for support — they stand on their own.
An implant is installed during a surgical procedure, after which you need to wait about three months for your jawbone to heal. During this time, your jawbone fuses with the implant, anchoring it in place.
Once this happens, your provider takes impressions of your teeth and a laboratory uses these impressions to customize a crown that they attach to the implant, restoring your teeth to a healthy condition.
If you’re missing multiple teeth, dental implants also can be used to support bridges and dentures.
Dental implants have several advantages over traditional bridges and dentures. They’re cosmetically appealing — the shade of the crown can be matched to the rest of your teeth — and they function just like natural teeth. You can eat whatever foods you like, for example.
Putting an implant directly into your jawbone also stimulates bone growth, strengthening your jawbone over time and preventing bone loss.
Dental implants also can last a long time. With proper oral hygiene — brushing and flossing daily — and regular teeth cleanings, your implant should last at least 20 years. Some dental implants have lasted as long as 50 years.
Certain chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can increase your risk of complications from getting a dental implant. Implants can also be costly, especially if your insurance doesn’t cover them.
But if you’re missing a tooth and these issues aren’t a problem for you, it may be time for you to consider long-lasting, natural-looking dental implants.
If you’re ready to get started or want to learn more, our expert team at Silicon Valley Dental Associates can help. To make your appointment, just call our Silicon Valley office or fill out our online form today.
