If you have missing teeth, dentures aren’t your only option. At Addisville Dental in Richboro, Pennsylvania, Harsimrat Sandhu, DDS gives patients expert dental implants. Implants are a permanent replacement for missing teeth and are a great way to restore your smile. Dental implants also protect your jawbone and remaining teeth, preventing future dental concerns. Let Dr. Sandhu help you explore your options. Call Addisville Dental today, or schedule an appointment online.
request an appointmentWhat are dental implants?
Dental implants can permanently replace one or more missing teeth. Unlike dentures, which fit over your gums, implants are fixed into your jaw and function just like your natural teeth. With implants, you can smile and laugh with confidence.
Each implant is made up of two separate parts: a post and a crown. The implant post includes a titanium screw, which Dr. Sandhu surgically places into your jaw. Over time, it fuses with your jawbone, providing your implant with a secure fit.
Dr. Sandhu then attaches an artificial tooth called a crown. Your crown looks like your natural tooth. No one but your dentist will be able to tell the difference.
How can dental implants improve my smile?
The loss of a tooth often triggers bone loss in your jaw, which, in turn, can alter the appearance of your face. Your jaw may recede, and your face can sag. Jawbone loss ages your face and can make you look older than you are. Over time, bone loss also makes your jaw more vulnerable to injury.
Implants can help preserve the integrity of your jaw bone. They prevent changes in your facial structure and keep remaining teeth in alignment. After losing a tooth, your remaining teeth can drift into the open space. Unsightly gaps may develop between your remaining teeth, but implants keep your teeth in place.
What happens during a dental implant procedure?
Your implant procedure takes place over several visits. First, Dr. Sandhu must assess the condition of your gums and jaw. You need a healthy jawbone to support an implant. If you have bone loss in your jaw, Dr. Sandhu may suggest regenerative procedures. These treatments help restore healthy bone tissue.
Once your jawbone is ready, Dr. Sandhu surgically places the post. It may take several months for the post to heal and attach to your jaw. In the meantime, Dr. Sandhu provides a temporary crown to cover the post.
When your post is ready, Dr. Sandhu attaches the permanent crown. Your crown is custom-made in a high-quality dental lab. Each crown is designed to look just like your natural teeth.
What results can I expect from my dental implants?
Most patients are amazed by their results because implants look and function like natural teeth. Once your implant has healed, you can eat normally. You can also brush and floss your teeth as you usually do.
But after your implant procedure, you still need to see Dr. Sandhu regularly. During each dental exam and cleaning, she checks your implant to make sure it’s in good shape.
If you’re considering an implant, you need expert care. Call Addisville Dental today, or schedule an appointment online.