Dealing with a less than stellar smile can certainly be a drag and impact a person’s daily quality of life. Fortunately, a skilled doctor may recommend dental implants in St. Petersburg, FL to remedy this issue and restore the patient’s smile.
The parts that compose a dental implant and how it is placed in a patient’s mouth affect the patient’s smile in various ways. This blog explains what the parts of a dental implant are, how it is placed, and how the dental implant can restore the patient’s smile.
What Are The Parts That Compose A Dental Implant?
A dental implant in St. Petersburg, FL is composed of three main parts: the dental implant post, the abutment, and the dental crown or prosthesis. The dental implant post is made to act like a natural tooth root, stimulating the patient’s jawbone to stabilize the patient’s new smile.
The abutment is what attaches the dental implant post to the prosthesis or crown. The crown can be custom designed to make the patient’s new smile look natural and aesthetically pleasing.
Dental implants can restore a patient’s smile when they have one or more missing teeth. There are a number of other factors that may lead to the need for dental implant surgery, including: advanced age, tooth loss caused by trauma, disease, or decay, and insufficient bone density in the jawbone. Dental implants can also be necessary when a traditional denture no longer provides the patient with the necessary support and function that they need.
What Are The Steps To Placing A Dental Implant In St. Petersburg, FL?
The dental implant surgery itself is typically an outpatient procedure that, depending on the patient and their circumstances, can be completed in just one or two hours. Patients can be given sedation dentistry before their surgery so that they have a comfortable and anxiety-free procedure experience.
During a dental implant surgery, the dental implant post is surgically placed into the patient’s jawbone. After the dental implant post has been placed, it fuses with the patients jawbone in a natural process called osseointegration.
Once the dental implant post is strategically placed, the abutment, a small metal cylinder, can be placed on top so the prosthesis can be attached to the dental implant post. The final prosthesis is then cemented into place, giving patients a stable, functional, and beautiful new smile.
How Does Digital Smile Design Help To Accurately Place My Dental Implants?
Digital Smile Design (DSD) is an advanced dental technique that utilizes digital technology to design and create customized dental implants for patients. It involves a comprehensive analysis of the patient’s facial features, dental structures, and aesthetics so their dental implants can be custom made to fit their specific smile.
High-resolution images, videos, and 3D models are used to simulate the desired smile transformation, allowing patients to visualize and actively participate in the design process for their dental implants. DSD enables precise communication between the dental professional and patients, ensuring they get optimal results.
What Are My Dental Implant Options?
Single dental implants are used to replace a single missing tooth. The dental implant consists of a titanium post that is surgically placed in the jawbone, acting as a replacement for the tooth root. Once the dental implant integrates with the bone, a dental crown is attached to the dental implant, providing a natural-looking and functional tooth replacement.
Implant supported dentures are a more stable and secure alternative to traditional dentures. They involve the placement of two or more dental implants in the jawbone, which serve as anchors for the denture. With implant supported dentures, patients will have dental stability, restored chewing capabilities, and a brand-new smile they can be confident in.
Full mouth dental implants, also known as full arch dental implants, are used to replace an entire arch (upper or lower) of missing teeth. The procedure typically involves the placement of four or more dental implants strategically into the patient’s jawbone, which are then used to support a full arch prosthesis. Full mouth dental implants give patients with complete tooth loss a durable, natural-looking, and functional new smile.
What Makes You A Good Candidate For Tooth Implants?
Determining candidacy for dental implants involves evaluating several factors. A comprehensive examination and consultation with a dental professional are essential. Adequate bone density in the jaw is crucial for successful tooth implant placements, although bone grafting may be an option if jawbone density is insufficient. Healthy gums and good oral hygiene are also necessary to support long-term tooth implant success.
Finally, non-smoking is encouraged, as smoking can impede the healing process. Tooth implant candidates should demonstrate a commitment to maintaining excellent oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits for the ongoing care of their dental implants. By considering these factors, a dental professional can determine the suitability of an individual for dental implant treatments.
See Us Now So You Can Learn More About Restorative Dental Implants
Because dental implants are specifically designed to restore the look, function, and health of your imperfect smile, don’t hesitate to improve your smile with them. Why wait to improve the look and health of your smile with us? Get in contact with Dr. Jimmy Vellis and our exceptional team at our St. Petersburg Dental Implant Center office to schedule an appointment today!