Living with a failing or missing tooth affects every aspect of your daily life. You may have discomfort when you try to eat or chew, and you may feel embarrassed about the appearance of your smile, which takes a toll on your confidence and self-esteem. For some patients, this leads to anxiety or depression.
The good news is that modern dentistry offers excellent options for replacing missing teeth, and dental implants may be the solution you're looking for.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is comprised of three components: the implant itself, an abutment, and a porcelain crown that all work together to replace your tooth. The implant is placed into your jawbone and acts like your new root and the foundation for your tooth. The abutment is used to attach your new crown, or tooth to your implant.
Because dental implants restore both your root and your tooth, they are a highly predictable treatment, and they boast a 95% success rate.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Implant?
The process of completing a dental implant does take time because it needs to integrate with your bone. Your implant is made of titanium, which is biocompatible and naturally integrates with your bone over a period of four to six months.
After your healing process is completed, your dentist will customize your new crown to match your missing tooth in both shape and shade. This means it will blend seamlessly with your smile and no one will ever know you were missing a tooth. You will also enjoy the same function you had with your missing tooth, so you'll be able to eat, chew, smile, brush, and floss with ease again.
If you are considering dental implants in Irvine, Dr. Jeffrey Robertson would be happy to discuss your options with you. Call us today to arrange a consultation!