Are you missing teeth? Losing a tooth can change more than the way your smile looks.
Maybe you've started chewing on one side of your mouth, avoiding certain foods, or feeling a little self-conscious when you laugh or smile in photos.
Dental implants may be a good way to get back some of what you've been missing.
One of the nice things about dental implants is that they don't need support from the teeth around them, the way a traditional bridge does. Instead, the implant sits in the jawbone, taking the place of the root of the tooth you've lost.
It does take a little time, though. Your jaw needs a chance to heal before the replacement tooth can be added, and that can take several months. Once everything is ready, you'll have a tooth that stays put, looks natural, and doesn't need to be taken out at night.
And implants aren't just for people missing one tooth. They can replace several teeth or even help keep a full set of dentures securely in place.
Getting a dental implant isn’t something that can happen overnight, and we want patients to understand that from the beginning.
Dr. Silva will take a good look at the area where you're missing a tooth, check your gums and jawbone, and ask a few questions about your dental history. He'll also want to hear what you're hoping to change before deciding whether an implant makes sense for you. Some patients are ready to move forward with implant placement, while others may need additional treatment, such as bone grafting, before an implant can be placed.
Healing takes time, often several months, but that time allows the implant to become firmly supported by the surrounding bone. Dr. Silva has extensive training and experience in implant and restorative dentistry, but he also understands that choosing to replace a tooth is a personal decision.
If you've been living with missing teeth or struggling with an older dental restoration, we'd be happy to talk through your options with you. There may be more possibilities than you realize.