Restoring Your Smile With Dental Implants In Corpus Christi

When you lose a tooth, it can affect your self-esteem and your ability to chew and speak properly. Fortunately, dental implants can help restore your smile and improve your quality of life. In Corpus Christi dental implants are a popular solution for those who are missing one or more teeth. In this article, we will discuss the process of restoring your smile with dental implants in Corpus Christi and what you can expect during the procedure.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed in your jawbone to support a replacement tooth. They are typically made of titanium, which is a biocompatible material that fuses with your jawbone to create a stable foundation for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full set of teeth.

The Dental Implant Procedure

The dental implant procedure typically involves multiple steps and can take several months to complete. Here are the steps involved in the dental implant procedure:

Consultation and Examination

The first step in the dental implant process is to schedule a consultation with a dental implant specialist in Corpus Christi. During the consultation, the dentist will examine your mouth and jaw to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. The dentist may also take x-rays and other imaging tests to assess the condition of your jawbone and teeth.

Treatment Planning

Once the dentist has determined that you are a good candidate for dental implants, they will create a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. This may involve multiple appointments and procedures, depending on the number of teeth that need to be replaced and the condition of your jawbone.

Placement of the Implant

The first step in the actual implant procedure is to place the implant into the jawbone. This involves making a small incision in the gum tissue and drilling a small hole into the jawbone. The implant is then placed into the hole and covered with a protective cap. Over the next several months, the implant will fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration.

Placement of the Abutment

Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, the next step is to place the abutment. The abutment is a small connector that is attached to the top of the implant and serves as a connection point for the replacement tooth.

Placement of the Replacement Tooth

The final step in the dental implant procedure is to place the replacement tooth. This is typically done several weeks after the abutment has been placed to give the gum tissue time to heal. The replacement tooth is custom-made to match the shape and color of your natural teeth and is attached to the abutment with a small screw.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer a range of benefits for those who are missing one or more teeth. Here are some of the benefits of dental implants:

Improved Appearance

Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. They are designed to match your natural teeth, so they will blend in seamlessly with your other teeth. Additionally, dental implants can fill gaps in your teeth and help maintain the structure of your jaw and facial bones, which can prevent the sagging and sunken appearance that can occur when teeth are missing.

Enhanced Self-Confidence

Missing teeth can make you feel self-conscious and affect your self-esteem. Dental implants can restore your smile and give you the confidence to speak and smile in public without feeling self-conscious. You can enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about loose dentures or feeling embarrassed about your appearance.

Improved Oral Health

Dental implants can improve your overall oral hygiene. They can fill gaps in your teeth, which can make it easier to clean your teeth properly.