At Haider Family Dentistry in Salem, Oregon, Dr. Jeremy Haider and our dental team offer a full range of general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services like dental implants — one of the best ways to replace missing teeth.
How dental implants can save your smile and oral health
Even one missing tooth can ruin your smile and cause additional problems like poor nutrition and problems with your speech. Tooth loss can also increase your risk of oral health problems like gum disease. When a tooth falls out or gets extracted, the supporting bone tissue in the gum begins to erode.
Dental implant restorations are the next best thing to a natural tooth. More than simply replacing the visible portion of your tooth (the crown), an implant is surgically placed in the socket of the missing tooth, taking the place of the root. Implant restorations don’t require adhesives to stay in place.
The implant stimulates the growth of healthy new bone tissue through a process known as osseointegration, in which the implant fuses to bone, securing it in place. A crown is secured to the implant via an abutment, and your implant looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
Implants can be used to restore one or more missing teeth. They can also support bridges and full or partial dentures.
The process of getting dental implants is completed over the course of several appointments. The implant restoration option is available for adult patients in good health and with enough existing bone tissue in the gums to support an implant.
Once the implant (a small titanium prosthetic shaped like a screw) is surgically implanted, it slowly begins to fuse with the surrounding bone tissue. This step can take a few months. Once it heals, the cosmetic crown is attached, and your smile is as good as new.
Caring for dental implants
Taking care of your oral health is just as important after getting dental implants. In addition to practicing good oral hygiene at home, you should receive routine follow-up dental care to ensure the success of the implant and remaining natural teeth in order to lower your risk of complications and other oral health issues.
To find out if dental implants are a good option for you, contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Haider. You can call our helpful staff during office hours, or you can request an appointment online anytime.