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Will my dental implant look like my natural teeth?
Patients who require dental implants often ask whether their tooth replacement will look natural and match their existing teeth.
At Dr. Steve Johnson Dental Group, we understand that many patients have concerns or are nervous about getting a dental implant. If your concerns are cosmetic in nature, rest assured that dental implants are designed to look and feel very similar to your natural teeth.
Whenever we can, we like to help answer questions, address concerns and help our patients set expectations about what life with implants will be like and how they will look and feel.
How can you make my dental implant look as natural as possible?
To being the procedure, your dentist will surgically place the "root" of the implant, a titanium rod, into your jawbone. Before this happens, some patients will require a bone graft to ensure their jawbone is strong enough to support the dental implant permanently. The transplanted bone will add volume and density to your jaw in the area where bone loss has happened.
Next, the dentist will take dental impressions of your teeth so a custom-fit tooth replacement can be made. The tooth replacement that's attached to the implant will be a bridge, crown, or denture. Since each person's teeth are a slightly different shade, your dentist will take care to match the color, size, and shape of your existing natural teeth.
To many people, the aesthetic aspect of dental implants is one of the most important reasons for replacing missing teeth. This is why dental implants are made of high-quality material in a dental lab.
When cared for properly, dental implants can last a lifetime. Keep in mind that you'll need to practice excellent oral hygiene and care for your implant just as you would your natural teeth, brushing twice a day and flossing once each day.
By the time your dental implant has been placed and the tissue has healed, a casual observer will be hard-pressed to tell the difference between your dental implant and your natural teeth.
Plus, replacing missing teeth will also protect your oral and overall health by preventing surrounding natural teeth from shifting to fill the gap left by a missing tooth. The dental implant will also preserve your facial structure, preventing the 'sunken' look that can result from missing teeth.