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A dental implant is a permanent, natural-looking tooth replacement that looks and feels like a natural tooth. At Paradise Family Dental, the implant is a screw made of titanium metal inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of the missing natural tooth. An abutment is then attached to the implant and acts as a connector to connect the implant to the restoration. For a single tooth replacement, a crown is placed on top of the abutment to create a complete tooth that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. A complete set of upper or lower teeth can be replaced using two to four implants per arch to support a complete denture.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are prosthetic devices that replace the roots of missing teeth. They consist of three parts – the implant, the abutment, and the restoration. The implant is placed into the jaw's bone through a minor surgical procedure and fuses with the bone through osseointegration. This process usually takes several months. Once fully connected to the bone, an abutment can be secured onto the dental implant, which protrudes above the gum line. A crown can then be cemented over the abutment to complete the restoration.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants provide a strong, stable foundation for replacement teeth. Unlike dentures and bridges, implants will not slip or shift in your mouth. This eliminates a common source of irritation and potential embarrassment – not being able to eat the foods you love confidently. Dental implants look and feel more natural than removable prosthetics.

Implants restore your ability to enjoy foods that are typically hard to chew with missing teeth and prevent your remaining natural teeth from shifting to fill the gap left behind by your missing tooth. This prevents your jawbone from deteriorating over time. After tooth loss, people often notice that their cheeks appear sunken in. This is because the jawbone is no longer stimulated when you chew. While dentures can fill the gap created by a lost tooth, they cannot stop further jawbone erosion. Replacing your lost tooth with an implant is the best option to prevent additional tooth loss and preserve your appearance.

If you suffer from missing teeth and want to find out if dental implants are right for you, we will be happy to evaluate your smile and discuss your treatment options in detail during your visit to our office! Get in touch with Paradise Family Dental at 4900 Paradise Way, Suite 104, West Richland, WA 99353, or call (509) 581-0626 to schedule an appointment.