We often see many patients from Gainesville, FL who walk through our doors and ask for one thing – can we replace their lost tooth? As luck would have it, Altschuler Periodontic and Implant Center offers dental implants with a superior service. They’re one of the most realistic tooth replacement options available, thanks to their durability, reliability, and natural appearance.
Anatomy of an Implant
First, let’s get to know the three parts of a dental implant. These three parts each require their own procedure and a period of healing in between, in order for the process of osseointegration to take place.
Titanium Implant
This first piece is typically shaped like a screw and made of titanium. The screw is embedded into the jawbone where the previous tooth was, secured below the gumline. Depending on the placement of the tooth, this screw may vary in size and shape – an implant for a canine tooth will be different from a molar implant.
Abutment
The second piece is the abutment, a cap that’s placed on top of the titanium screw. This piece protrudes above the gumline with a thick post, wide enough to secure the prosthetic tooth on top. But before the prosthetic tooth can be applied, the gum must be healed around the abutment, which also effectively hides it from view.
Prosthetic Tooth
This final piece is the prosthetic tooth, and is also the most customizable piece. Part of the success of dental implants is in how natural they look when compared to the surrounding teeth. Dr. Altschuler will work closely with you to determine the best color, shape, and size of your porcelain prosthetic tooth. Our goal is to make your dental implant so realistic, that close friends and family may be unable to tell the difference.
The Wonders of Osseointegration
Another aspect of dental implants that make them so successful is the process of osseointegration. When an implant is embedded into the bone, the bone recognizes it as a foreign object. However, instead of rejecting it, the implant is accepted as an artificial tooth and bonds with it. The bone is triggered to regenerate and weave around it, forming a tight bond and creating a secure foundation for the prosthetic tooth.
This also prevents the jawbone from something known as facial collapse – the weakening and depletion of the jawbone to the point where the bone may collapse, giving you that sunken appearance. Dental implants strengthen the bone once again, and also prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting out of place.
Dental Implants Benefits Overview
Dental implants are considered by many patients to be a great investment. Thanks to their natural appearance, they can fool almost anyone you know and blend seamlessly into your smile.
Thanks to osseointegration, dental implants hold a few advantages over dentures and dental bridges. The bond prevents the dental implant from becoming loose or falling out, whereas dentures are secured via an artificial adhesive and can easily slip. Osseointegration also ensures that you can retain the same bite strength – you can enjoy your favorite foods without changing your diet or the way your food is prepared.
Contact Us About Dental Implants
Are you missing one or more teeth and are unhappy with your appearance? Consider dental implants through Altschuler Periodontic and Implant Dentistry as your tooth replacement treatment. If you have any questions about treatment and the process, feel free to contact us and we’ll take your question. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Altschuler and discover if dental implants are right for you and your oral health.
