Do you find yourself hiding your smile due to a missing or damaged tooth? This uncomfortable dental issue can impact both your oral health and general happiness. Missing teeth can make it difficult to do normal, routine tasks like eating, speaking, and even smiling.
At Molina Dentistry, we understand how difficult it can be both physically and emotionally to struggle with damaged or missing teeth. That’s why we provide many restorative dentistry options like dental implants to help all of our patients smile their brightest.
Wondering if dental implants are the right treatment for you? Let’s find out!
What Are Dental Implants?
Before we dive into how they can help you, let’s talk about what dental implants are.
Dental implants are a permanent replacement tooth option. They are made up of two components: the implant itself and the replacement tooth on top.
The dental implant is a titanium post that is placed into the jawbone where it functions like a tooth root. This artificial tooth root creates a strong foundation for a new tooth restoration.
Once the dental implant is placed and integrated into your jaw, a new artificial tooth goes on top of it, attached to a piece called an abutment. This replacement tooth matches your natural enamel exactly, so no one will be able to tell the difference.
Unlike some other tooth replacement options, dental implants are extremely durable—lasting up to two decades or longer.
Do Dental Implants Hurt?
Dental implants require a surgical procedure, but the process isn’t as scary as it sounds. During the treatment, you’ll receive local anesthetic and sedation options if you would like some extra help to relax during the treatment.
After the dental implant is placed in your jaw, it will fuse to the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once the implant is completely healed, the dentist can then affix the replacement tooth to your new artificial root—this part of the procedure is quick and easy!
How Dental Implants Can Help You
Dental implants aren’t right for everyone, but they do have many benefits. For instance, they are a popular choice with many patients because of their durability and natural appearance.
Some other advantages of receiving dental implants to treat missing or damaged teeth include:
- Strengthened teeth: When you have one or more missing teeth, it can impact the strength of your mouth. Your remaining teeth may become infected, threatening additional teeth loss. Similarly, the lack of bone stimulation may cause bone loss, weakening your jaw. With dental implants, your teeth and jawbone will be protected and restored.
- Improved appearance: With a dental implant, you’ll have a replacement tooth that looks just like your natural teeth. No more hiding your smile in pictures or around friends! A restored smile will help increase your self-confidence and quality of life.
- Durable, functional smile: Tooth implants rarely need to be replaced. In fact, with proper care most implants last up to 20 years or longer. That means you can be free from painful chewing or speaking, potential infection, and extensive dental care for years to come!
If you are experiencing pain, infection, bone loss, or diminished self-confidence because of missing teeth, implants may be the solution for you. Let our compassionate, respectful team at Molina Dentistry help you achieve the smile of your dreams with our personalized dental implant treatment. Call our office to learn more about what dental implants can do for you!
Visit Our Fresno Office Today!
As a husband and wife team, Drs. Eduardo and Patty Molina provide a modern, family-friendly approach to dental care. With the help of their team, they strive to create a welcoming, relaxing environment where individuals and families can receive the excellent dental care they deserve.
If you’re living with the negative impacts of a missing or damaged tooth, dental implants could restore both the look and function of your smile. Schedule an appointment at our Fresno office today to join the Molina Dentistry family, and let us help you fall in love with your smile again!
