Dental Implants in Riverside, CA

Dental implants replace missing teeth with permanent, natural-looking substitutes made of medical-grade titanium and porcelain. The Dentist in Riverside, CA at Riverside Tooth Co. , the titanium implant is surgically placed in the jawbone where the tooth's root used to be. This acts as an artificial root that supports the replacement tooth or teeth. Once the bone has successfully fused to the titanium post, an abutment is attached to connect the implant to the new dental crowns. A crown consists of the entire visible portion of the tooth and is custom-made to look like your other teeth.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and function similarly to the root of a tooth. The jaw bone fuses with the implant over time, creating a secure anchor for replacement teeth. This process is called "osseointegration." By securing these restorations, dental implants can replace multiple missing teeth with bridges or dentures.

Once implanted, dental implants serve many functions for the smile. They prevent adjacent teeth from shifting out of position, which can improve bite alignment and the fit of partials and dentures. They also stimulate the bone to prevent resorption, which is the process by which bone density is lost over time. This keeps the jaw healthy and strong to support other teeth. Lastly, dental implants can help patients feel more confident about their smile, often allowing them to eat and speak quickly again.

The Advantages of Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of dentistry's most stable, long-lasting tooth replacement options. They are made from titanium posts implanted into the jawbone and topped with a dental crown. Once surgically placed, the dental implant fuses with the bone and becomes a permanent part of your mouth.

Dental implants offer numerous benefits that make them a popular choice for patients with missing teeth. First and foremost, they look and feel like natural teeth, making it difficult to tell the difference between the implant and surrounding teeth. This means you can smile confidently without worrying about people noticing your missing teeth. 

Another benefit of dental implants is their durability. Unlike dentures or bridges that need to be replaced every few years, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care. They are also more comfortable than traditional tooth replacement options since they do not slip or move around in your mouth. 

In addition to improving your appearance and comfort level, dental implants can also improve your oral health. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone underneath begins to deteriorate over time. Dental implants act as artificial roots for the new tooth and stimulate bone growth which preserves the structure of your jawbone.

Unlike other tooth replacement options that require special cleaning solutions or adhesives, caring for dental implants is just like caring for natural teeth - regular brushing and flossing will keep them clean and healthy.

How To Know If Dental Implants Are Right For You

Considering dental implants can be a big decision, and it's important to make sure they're the right choice for you. You'll need to have healthy gums and enough bone in your jaw to support the implant. If this isn't the case, additional procedures may be required before an implant can be placed. 

It's also important to consider your overall oral health and lifestyle habits. For instance, smokers are at higher risk of implant failure due to slower healing times. Additionally, those who grind their teeth or clench their jaws may not be suitable candidates for implants as these actions put a strain on both natural teeth and implants. 

The cost of dental implants is another factor that should be considered. While they tend to last longer than other options like dentures or bridges, they come with a higher upfront cost that may not fit into everyone's budget.