At Chicopee St. Dental, we understand how crucial a complete smile is for your confidence and overall health. Dental implants offer a reliable, long-term solution for missing teeth, providing a natural look and feel. Our skilled dentist and team use advanced technology and techniques to ensure your implants are secure, functional and aesthetically pleasing. With personalized care and attention to detail, we are committed to restoring your smile and improving your quality of life.
Dental implants are a cutting-edge and durable solution for replacing missing teeth. They consist of three main components: the implant itself, the abutment and the prosthetic (such as a crown, bridge or denture).
Implant:
The implant is a small, screw-like post typically made of titanium, a biocompatible material. It is surgically placed into the jawbone beneath the gum line, where it serves as a substitute for the root of a missing tooth. The placement of the implant in the jawbone is a crucial step, as it provides stability and support for the artificial tooth or teeth.
Abutment:
The abutment is a connector piece that is attached to the top of the implant once the bone has healed around it. It protrudes above the gum line and serves as a link between the implant and the prosthetic tooth. The abutment is necessary for securing the artificial tooth in place.
Prosthetic Tooth (Crown, Bridge or Denture):
The prosthetic tooth is the visible part of the dental implant that resembles a natural tooth. It can be a crown, a bridge or a denture, depending on your needs and the number of missing teeth. The prosthetic is custom designed to match the color, shape and size of the natural teeth for a seamless and natural appearance.
The Dental Implant Process
- Consultation and Treatment Planning: During the initial consultation, we assess your oral health, takes X-rays and determine the suitability for dental implants. A personalized treatment plan is created based on your individual needs.
- Implant Placement: The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone. After the procedure, a healing period, known as osseointegration, allows the bone to fuse with the implant, providing a stable foundation.
- Abutment Placement: Once the implant has integrated with the jawbone, a second minor surgery may be performed to attach the abutment to the implant. This step prepares the implant for the placement of the prosthetic tooth.
- Prosthetic Attachment: The final step involves attaching the custom-made prosthetic tooth to the abutment. The prosthetic is carefully crafted to match the surrounding natural teeth in terms of color, shape and functionality.
Advantages of Dental Implants:
- Natural Appearance: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing solution.
- Stability and Functionality: Implants offer stability and functionality comparable to natural teeth, allowing for comfortable chewing and speaking.
- Bone Preservation: Dental implants help preserve jawbone density by stimulating bone growth, preventing the bone loss that can occur after tooth loss.
- Longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last for many years, even a lifetime.
While dental implants are a highly successful and effective solution for tooth replacement, not everyone is a suitable candidate. Factors such as overall health, jawbone density and oral hygiene habits are considered during the evaluation process. A consultation with our team of dental professionals is essential to determine individual candidacy for dental implant treatment.
Call us today at 413-533-0528 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Prabhjot Singh and learn more about implant dentistry in Chicopee, Massachusetts.