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Why Are Dental Implants Best For Tooth Replacement?

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Our teeth are one of the strongest body parts and are quite essential. They help us chew food, speak and provide good aesthetic value to our face. However, a natural set of teeth may be lost due to various reasons, like tooth decay or gum disease. These missing teeth must  be replaced, as they are responsible for some important functions.

Teeth made of ceramic or zirconia, are considered common options for replacement of missing teeth. However,  the most recent advancement in the world of dentistry is a dental implant, which are becoming widely popular.

What is a dental implant?

Natural teeth are made up of a visible portion known as the crown and lower portion known as the root. The roots of teeth are embedded into the jawbone and are not seen.

A dental implant also consists of parts similar to the natural tooth. The root portion of the dental implant is made up of titanium material, which is easily compatible with the jaw bone and strong enough to withstand chewing forces. Titanium has a special quality of fusing with the bone, which is known as ‘osseo-integration’.

Why dental implants?

The answer is simple. Dental implants function the same way as your real teeth. Instead of natural tooth roots, your tooth is held in with a titanium implant post that is surgically implanted in your jawbone. Over time, your jawbone heals in and around the titanium implant, through a process called osseo-integration. The strength of your jawbone, and your jaw’s ability to heal around the implant directly influences the strength and stability of the implant. Implants also have excellent stability. They provide optimal support and are very comfortable. Moreover, they are one of the most aesthetic tooth replacement options.

Who can get implants?

While living with missing teeth can be distressing and difficult, dental implant surgery is a completely comfortable procedure. It is minimally invasive and leaves little to no post-procedure discomfort. For most people, the placement process is very simple. In more complex cases, the procedure can span over several months. However, people with basic cases can  get same day dental implants. Thanks to advances in dentistry, same day dental implants are becoming more common. To see if you’re a candidate for treatment, you first have to get a complete dental examination. If you have a sufficient amount of jawbone, you can have the procedure at any time. If not, you will need to strengthen the bone with bone grafts, which can increase the cost of dental implants.

Implant placement procedure

Dental implant placement is a simple procedure. There are  3 basic steps.

Step 1

The first step is placing an implant post, or the root. It is fixed deep into the gums so that it can support the implant, just like the root of a natural tooth. It is a minor surgery and is done under local anaesthesia.  At this point your tooth may still appear missing, as the upper portion of the crown has not been replaced yet. A type of temporary cover prior to replacement is done for appearance, if required.

After this step is done, there is a waiting period for bone growth around the metal post. During this time, the process of jaw bone fusing to the implant material begins. This is known as osseo-integration.  During this process, the jawbone grows in and around the surface of the dental implant and locks it in place. The process can take several weeks or months. It will mainly provide strong support for the new artificial tooth.

Step 2

Your dentist will do a thorough assessment of the bone growth with the help of an x-ray or a CBCT and decide whether you are ready for the next step. Once the osseo-integration is complete, you will need to place the upper portion (support for the crown), known as the abutment. This is where the crown will eventually be  attached.

In some cases, the abutment is attached to the dental implant post when the post is implanted. That means you may skip this surgical step. Some people don’t like that appearance and prefer to have the abutment placed in a separate procedure.

Step 3

After the abutment is placed, your gums will adapt and heal around it. This will take another week or two.  Then the artificial tooth, matching the shade and colour of your other natural teeth, can be attached to the abutment. Your dentist may take certain measurements and impressions during the entire procedure. These impressions are mainly used to fabricate the crown of your implanted new tooth. The crown can’t be placed until your jawbone has enough strength to support the use of the new tooth.

At Bellevue Dental Health, we believe in providing the best services to give you a beautiful and healthy smile. You can discuss with our team to know the best tooth replacement options for you. Our surgeons are highly skilled and we promise you affordable and durable dental implants. Our aim is to create a healthy smile for you, that can help build the foundation for overall health and confidence. So, make a decision today to have a functionally sound smile.

Discover how cosmetic dentistry will enhance your appearance and self-confidence with us!

Request an appointment today at https://www.bellevuedentalhealth.com/ or by calling (425) 641-3311.

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What are the benefits of cosmetic dentistry?

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A person’s smile is most definitely an inseparable part of their  personality. Not just that, it is an expression of self and happiness as well. So why shy away from flaunting that smile?

The cosmetic dentistry field promises to give the best results in modifying your natural smile, while preserving its health. Cosmetic dentistry is beneficial  to patients in so many ways. Lets find out how.

Some of the common cosmetic dentistry procedures…

Teeth Whitening

It is also known as teeth bleaching. This procedure can brighten and whiten your teeth from discoloration and staining. This procedure can be done in the dental office or at home. However, it is necessary to consult a dentist to know if your teeth are suited for bleaching and what procedures should be followed.

Dental Implants 

A dental implant is an artificial unit that best mimics your natural tooth. Implants are usually made of titanium and are surgically placed into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. Unlike a dental bridge, an implant is permanent. They are  designed to act as the root of the tooth and can anchor an artificial tooth or teeth such as a crown, bridge, or denture.

Dental Veneers and laminates

Veneers and laminates are thin layers made out of porcelain or composite material. They are custom made and cemented to the front side of the tooth. A veneer can be used to correct dental conditions such as a slightly crooked tooth, discoloured teeth, chipped teeth or even to cover spaces in between the teeth.

Orthodontic Treatment 

Gone are the days when orthodontics was just for kids. More and more adults are seeking treatment from orthodontists for getting their teeth aligned. If you have crooked teeth and are looking to improve your smile, then orthodontics is the way to go.

Cosmetic Dental Crowns 

Crowns, also referred to as caps, are custom made to fit over your whole tooth after a  cosmetic dentist has prepared it. They are usually made out of acrylic or porcelain that has been fused to metal to withstand biting pressure. Crowns can be used in cosmetic dentistry to treat teeth that are poorly shaped, badly decayed, broken, chipped, have had large fillings, or to cover spaces in between teeth.

Tooth Bonding

Bonding is the process in which tooth-colored materials or fillings are adhered (bonded) to the tooth. This is a procedure that can be used to repair or improve the appearance of a tooth that has been badly stained, broken, or chipped.

Benefits of cosmetic dentistry

  • Strengthens your teeth

Not only do cosmetic dentistry procedures improve the appearance of your smile, but they also improve your overall dental health. Dentists generally perform cosmetic dentistry procedures if your health is in good shape. Thus, after the procedure you know that your teeth are very healthy. In addition, many cosmetic treatments actually restore your teeth. When you receive porcelain veneers or dental bonding, it covers cracks or chips in your teeth. You are actually protecting your teeth from future damage. When you do an orthodontic treatment, you are correcting your alignment, which prevents uneven wear of your teeth and periodontal problems.

  • Improved dental hygiene

After you get cosmetic dental procedures done, you will adore your new smile! As a result, your cosmetic dentistry treatments will encourage you to keep up with your dental hygiene. This will involve changing in your eating and drinking habits, like avoiding food and drinks that stain your teeth. You will find yourself brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist every 6 months to ensure your smile is perfect and is going to stay that way.

  • Improved self-confidence

   This is one of the most obvious benefits of cosmetic dentistry. Most common reasons why patients seek cosmetic dental treatment is because they are unhappy with their smile. This can prevent them from feeling confident. After undergoing cosmetic dentistry treatment, patients find themselves to be more confident and to start to excel in various realms of life. Your improved appearance will bring you the happiness and confidence you are seeking if you don’t like your current smile.

  • Make you look younger

Another benefit of cosmetic dentistry is it will help you look younger. This is one of the reasons people choose to consider cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic dentistry is quite popular amongst middle-aged adults who want to freshen up their appearance. A whiter and straighter smile can make you look younger.

  • Correct joint malfunctions

Misaligned teeth can give you headaches from joint malfunctions. When you undergo cosmetic dentistry procedures like porcelain veneers or orthodontic treatments, your dentist will help fix your alignment so your teeth come together correctly. This will help prevent  any headaches in the future and protect your teeth from tooth wear, which can lead to damaged teeth and cavities. Properly aligned teeth also ensure healthy gums.

As you can see, the benefits of cosmetic dentistry are numerous. Why wait? Make  your cosmetic dental procedure appointment today!

We at Bellevue Dental Health believe that a beautiful and healthy smile helps build the foundation for overall dental health and confidence. So it is important to take charge of your smile and our team will offer their best care to achieve what you desire for your smile.

To help you obtain and maintain a great smile and healthy white teeth, Dr. Libbi Finnessy of Bellevue Dental Health provides smile makeover cosmetic dentistry that will make you look and feel like your greatest self.

Discover how cosmetic dentistry will enhance your appearance and self-confidence with us!

Schedule  an appointment today by calling (425)641-3311 or by visiting https://www.bellevuedentalhealth.com/