Sometimes irreparable damage to your teeth can occur and they have to be removed. A bridge may be an option, but a dental implant is likely your best option. Dental implants are long-term and provide a stronger foundation for your new teeth than crowns or bridges. Your dental health professionals at Sunrise Dental, in Bellevue, Washington, will guide you through the diagnosis and treatment of your dental troubles for the best results.
Unlike a crown or bridge, dental implants act as replacements for missing or removed teeth. They provide the same benefits as crowns or bridges but with a stronger foundation due to the jawbone growing around the implant. Dental implants are useful when bridges cannot fit due to an unusual jaw or tooth alignment.
Dental implants are used as replacement teeth, therefore the old tooth must first be removed. The root area will then be cleaned to prevent the possibility of infection. A metal post will then be securely fixed into your jawbone. After the post heals, an intermediary piece, an abutment, will then be screwed onto the metal post and a crown or replacement tooth is then cemented onto the abutment.
Due to the nature of the surgery, healing can take up to several months. Your jawbone will begin to fuse with the metal post providing a foundation stronger than any bridge. This fusing of metal and bone also keeps your new tooth from slipping like some alternative forms of replacement teeth, such as dentures.
Dental implants offer a strong and stable replacement tooth for people wanting the best option to replace their tooth. Your implant tooth will not decay like other teeth used as bridge anchors can so it will be functional for the foreseeable future.
Dental implants could be right for you if you are missing a tooth and fit the following criteria:
Even if you don’t fit all the criteria above remember that consulting a dental health professional at Sunrise Dental is your best way to determine if dental implants are right for you. Call to arrange an appointment today. Sunrise Dental has long-term solutions to your short-term dental problems.
At Sunrise Dental of Bellevue, we are dedicated to our patients' dental health. We accept a variety of insurance providers to make sure that all of our patients are covered. If your insurance is not listed or if you have any questions, please call our office to see how we can partner with you.