Missing teeth can significantly impact your confidence, ability to eat, and overall oral health. At Mentone Dental, we offer dental implants as a permanent and effective solution to replace missing teeth. This blog will delve into what dental implants are, their benefits, the procedure, and why they are an excellent option for restoring your smile.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, usually made of titanium, that provide a permanent base for fixed or removable replacement teeth. They are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth and are a popular choice for individuals missing one or more teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

1. Natural Look and Feel

Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. This provides a more aesthetically pleasing appearance compared to other tooth replacement options.

2. Improved Speech

Unlike dentures, which can slip and cause mumbling or slurring of words, dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might move.

3. Enhanced Comfort

Since dental implants become part of your jawbone, they eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.

4. Easier Eating

Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favourite foods with confidence and without pain.

5. Durability

Implants are very durable and, with proper care, can last a lifetime.

6. Improved Oral Health

Dental implants do not require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health.

7. Convenience

Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.

The Dental Implant Procedure

• Initial Consultation

  The first step in getting dental implants at Mentone Dental is an initial consultation. During this visit, our dental professionals will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays, and determine if you are a good candidate for implants.

• Bone Grafting (If Needed)

  If your jawbone isn’t thick enough or is too soft, you may need bone grafting before you can have dental implant surgery. This procedure helps to create a more solid base for the implant.

• Implant Placement

  During the surgical procedure, the dental implant is placed into the jawbone. This involves making a small incision in the gum to expose the bone and then drilling a hole into which the implant is placed.

• Osseointegration

  After the implant is placed in your jawbone, it begins to fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. This typically takes several months and ensures a solid and stable base for the replacement tooth.

• Abutment Placement

  Once osseointegration is complete, an abutment is placed on the implant. This is a small connector post that will hold your new tooth securely.

• Placing the New Tooth

  Finally, a custom-made crown is attached to the abutment. The crown is designed to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size, completing the dental implant process.

Aftercare and Maintenance

• Oral Hygiene

  Good oral hygiene is crucial to the success and longevity of your dental implants. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash.

• Regular Dental Visits

  Regular check-ups and cleanings at Mentone Dental are essential to monitor the health of your implants and overall oral health.

• Avoiding Hard Foods

  While dental implants are very durable, it’s wise to avoid chewing on hard items like ice and hard candies to prevent damage.

• Quitting Smoking

  Smoking can weaken the bone structure and increase the risk of implant failure. If you smoke, consider quitting to improve the success rate of your dental implants.