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What Do Dental Implants Look Like? Everything You Need To Know

by | Dental Implant

What do dental implants look like? It’s a valid question to ask if you’re seriously considering dental implant surgery. And you’re not alone, as many people worry that they will look fake or artificial. However, dental implants are designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth – and no one will be able to tell the difference. Get a consultation at your local dental clinic to learn more, but here’s a taster of dental implants.

 

What are dental implants?

Most people know that dental implants are one of the best tooth replacement options available, but other than that, it’s surprising how little people know about them.

 

 

Single dental implants consist of three parts:

  • The dental implant
  • An abutment
  • Artificial tooth (crown) or teeth

 

The dental implant

The dental implant is a short, metal post that replaces a tooth root rather than a whole tooth. It is typically made from a metal (titanium) readily accepted by the human body (and won’t be rejected). The titanium post is surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line. 

Once implants are placed in the jawbone during dental implant surgery, the gum is stitched over, and the area is left to heal—typically for 3-4 months. During this time, the implants and jawbone fuse together (osseointegration) to produce a robust platform on which to attach artificial teeth.

After the stitches have dissolved (or been removed), around ten days after dental implant surgery, there is no visible evidence of an implant.

 

The Abutment

The abutment is a connector that joins a dental implant to the artificial tooth and absorbs some of the bite force.

Once the implant has bonded with the jawbone, the gum is opened up, and one end of the abutment is connected to the implant. The remaining portion sticks out above the gumline to receive the crown.

 

Artificial Tooth (Crown)

The crown is attached to the abutment with cement to complete the dental implants procedure.

 

What do dental implants look like supporting multiple teeth?

Dental implants don’t look any different—even supporting multiple teeth. However, artificial teeth do. For example, as well as a single crown, dental implants support multiple teeth in a bridge, removable dentures and even a complete arch of teeth. Why not get a dental consultation near you to find out more about the options dental implants can offer.

 

The Advantages of Dental Implants

 

  • They look like natural teeth

One of the significant benefits of dental implants is that they blend in seamlessly with your existing teeth and look entirely natural. 

 

  • Feel and function like natural teeth

Furthermore, dental implants behave, feel and function the same way as your teeth. Because they integrate with the jawbone, they are stable—and so you can chew and eat any food you like without worrying they will slip or fall out. You can confidently eat ribs and corn on the cob without a care in the world!

 

  • Easy to look after

Dental implants do not require any special care or attention—just a good daily brushing and flossing routine. It’s also essential after dental implant surgery to keep the area clean to prevent infection that can damage the implants and lead to procedure failure.

 

  • Prevent Bone Loss natural teeth tooth implant carindale

Dental implants are the only tooth replacement procedure that benefits jawbone health. How? This is because natural teeth stimulate the jawbone to produce new cells required to maintain a healthy jaw. If teeth are lost, that stimulus is gone, and the bone in the jaw begins to resorb and wither. 

Dental implants stimulate the jawbone in the same way as a tooth root, ensuring the density of the jawbone.

 

  • Preserve facial structure

Another benefit of preventing bone loss is preserving facial structure. The jawbone and teeth are the rigid structures of the face that support the soft facial tissues. A lost tooth leaves a gap. Like a sofa with a broken spring, the tissue that is no longer supported begins to sag, causing lines and wrinkles. 

This is exacerbated by bone loss in the jawbone with wrinkles and sagging around the mouth, leading to jowls and an unnaturally protruding chin. Dental implants can help preserve facial structure; as missing teeth are ageing, they can help you keep a younger-looking profile. 

 

What do Dental Implants Look Like: The Takeaway

Dental implants may be more expensive than other tooth replacement options, but they provide excellent value for money. If you care for them well and make sure you see a dentist regularly for check-ups, they can last for many decades, if not a lifetime. Additionally, they look completely natural and provide a tooth replacement experience that is difficult to match with dentures or even a bridge.

Speak to a dentist that offers consultation appointments nearby. Contact Carindale Family Dentist to see how we can assist you.

MILLENNIUM Centre Shop (Carindale): (07) 3113 9138
METROPOL 2 Centre (Mt. Gravatt East): (07) 3130 0238

 

 

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

 

 

 

References

Dental Nursing: Osseointegration
https://www.dental-nursing.co.uk/features/a-root-to-success-a-guide-to-implant-osseointegration

Colgate: Bone resorption: Why it happens and what to do next
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/mouth-and-teeth-anatomy/bone-resorption-why-it-happens-and-what-to-do-next