Our Services / Dental Implants specialist

Why is it so important to replace missing teeth?

Most people only think about the aesthetic implications of missing teeth, but serious dental health issues should also be considered. Each of your teeth anchors directly into the underlying bone. When you bite down or chew, you stimulate that bone tissue, keeping it healthy and strong. 

Losing one or more teeth means losing that stimulation. Your bone tissue begins to wear away, a process known as resorption. This can weaken the connection between adjacent teeth and bone, eventually causing additional tooth loss. 

A gap in your smile can also limit your ability to enjoy a wide range of foods, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies. You might also find it difficult to speak normally. 

What are dental implants?

Dental implants offer the chance to permanently replace one or more of your missing teeth. Because implants anchor into your jawbone, they preserve your bone health, a benefit not available with traditional dentures or bridges. 

Individual dental implants consist of a metal post that replaces the root portion of your natural tooth and an artificial crown that replaces the visible portions of your tooth. Some systems use a small piece called an abutment that connects the post and crown. 

If you need to replace all of your upper or lower teeth, a system like All-on-4® secures an entire span of artificial teeth using just four implanted posts. This option is an amazing alternative to a full set of dentures. 

What are the steps involved in getting dental implants?

The planning stage is one of the most important parts of the process. Intraoral scanning gathers information about your teeth and bone tissue, and then an advanced software system creates a customized implant treatment plan. 

On the day of your procedure, an injection of numbing medication keeps you comfortable as your dentist creates an incision in your gums. A small pilot hole guides the post placement into your jawbone, and then your dentist closes your gum tissue around the post. 

After a period of healing, you return to have the crown attached to the post, which has now fused with your bone tissue. The result is a permanent restoration that looks and functions like your natural teeth. 

If you’d like to learn more about dental implants, call OBT Dental & Orthodontics or book a visit online today.