At Short & Vlosich Family Dental, dental implants are small titanium posts that replace the roots of missing teeth. They are surgically placed in the upper or lower jawbone by our doctors and, over time, can fuse with the bone to provide excellent stability for artificial teeth. Once healed, patients return to our office to have a beautiful, natural-looking restoration attached to the implant. Implant-supported restorations look and feel like natural teeth, as they are made to look and function just like your real smile. Dental implants are the closest to natural teeth in appearance, comfort, and function. Because implants replace both the tooth root and the visible portion of the tooth, they stimulate the jawbone just like natural tooth roots would. This helps maintain healthy bone density and prevent bone recession over time. Implants also look natural and allow you to speak and eat without difficulty or discomfort. They’re permanent, meaning you won’t have to worry about them popping out or slipping out of place while you eat or brush your teeth. Plus, they’re easy to care for; brush and floss like you would your natural teeth. You don’t have to worry about removing and cleaning a metal restoration.

The Dental Implants Procedures

Dental implants are placed into the jawbone during a minor oral surgery procedure. Small holes are drilled into the healthy bone, and the dental implant posts are fitted into these spaces. The gums may be stitched around these implant posts to help heal. After the implant has healed, a custom-crafted dental crown is attached to the top of these implant posts. This crown is crafted to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile while allowing you to eat and speak normally.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Natural Look and Feel

Dental implants are designed to resemble natural teeth in appearance and functionality closely. They are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, resulting in a seamless and natural-looking smile. Additionally, implants fuse with the jawbone, providing a stable foundation that mimics the function of natural tooth roots.

Improved Speech and Chewing

Unlike removable dentures or bridges, dental implants are securely anchored in the jawbone. This stability allows for improved speech clarity and confidence while speaking. The ability to chew and eat comfortably is also enhanced with dental implants, as they function like natural teeth, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of foods without limitations.

Preserves Jawbone Health

The underlying jawbone can deteriorate over time when a tooth is lost. Dental implants help keep the jawbone's structure by stimulating and preventing bone loss. By integrating with the jawbone through osseointegration, implants stimulate bone growth and maintain density, preventing further bone deterioration.

Dental implants restore not only the functionality but also the aesthetics of your smile. Visit Short & Vlosich Family Dental at 3503 S Soncy Rd, Amarillo, TX 79119, or call (806) 374-8011 to determine if dental implants are the right choice for your dental needs.