Natural Looking Dental Implant
If you are missing one or more of your natural teeth, you probably have a lot of questions about your dental restoration options. One of the most common questions that arises when people are researching the variety of dental restorations available is whether the end result will look natural. This concern arises most often in patients whose missing teeth are at the front of their mouth, in what is called the aesthetic zone. When the restoration in question is dental implants, patients can rest assured that the dental restoration will look and feel just like natural teeth.
Implant dentistry combines science and design in unique ways. An expert implant dentist should be an expert in the aesthetic possibilities offered by dental implants, and they should also understand the scientific factors that contribute to an effective dental restoration. Dental restorations that use dental implants for support can be custom crafted to match the natural teeth in shape and color, adding to their natural appearance. Digital imaging technologies can also assist dentists in the perfect placement of dental implants to ensure their lifelong function while also guaranteeing an attractive appearance; in many cases, it’s nearly impossible to tell that a dental implant isn’t, in fact, a natural tooth.
Dental implants are tiny screw-like cylinders that are placed directly in the bone of the jaw, below the gum tissue. Once the implants have healed, the dental restoration — usually a crown or denture — is affixed to the implant. Because the implant lies completely below the gum tissue, the implant itself is invisible. Think of it like the root of a natural tooth: you can’t see it, but you know it’s there, doing its job. Once the restoration is attached to the implant, the only part that’s visible above the gum line is the restoration itself, just as a natural tooth is visible above the gumline. Thanks to constant developments in the field of dental implants, there are a multitude of materials for patients to choose from, which increases the odds of finding a material that looks just like the natural teeth and is durable enough to last a lifetime.
The best way to keep your dental implants looking great is by taking care of them properly. While people with dental implants can enjoy a full array of foods, they should avoid using the implant-supported teeth to open bottles or break things, which can damage the dental restoration. Dental implants also require the same kind of oral hygiene that the natural teeth do in order to ensure their success. You will receive specific care instructions for the type of implant-supported restoration you receive, but in many cases, proper hygiene is just as it would be for natural teeth: brush twice daily and clean between the teeth daily. Even if you have a snap-on denture that can be removed, it’s important to keep the soft tissues inside the mouth clean and free from bacteria, which is achieved with daily brushing. You’ll also want to see your dentist for periodic professional cleanings; the dental hygienist will make sure to remove built-up plaque and tartar while keeping the dental restorations free from scratches or damage and helping maintain their natural-looking luster and shine.