Do dental implants look like natural teeth?
One of the most common questions asked by patients that are going to have a dental implant procedure is whether or not it will look natural.
At Dr. Kerby Bruce and Associates, we know that getting a dental implant can be worrisome, but we are here to reassure you about this straightforward procedure – dental implants are designed to look and feel very similar to your natural teeth.
While it may not necessarily be a concern for teeth near the back of the mouth, having front teeth replaced means that the aesthetic aspects of replacement teeth might be one of their foremost concerns. After all, this oral surgery typically needs months to heal between stages - you likely want the result to look and feel natural!
Whatever your concern might be, we are always happy to help answer questions, address concerns and help our patients set expectations about what life with implants will be like and how they will look and feel.
What can I do to help make the implants as natural-looking as possible?
For patients who have jawbones that may not be strong enough to hold the implant, we will suggest a bone graft in order to create a strong base. The transplanted bone will add volume and density to your jaw in the area where bone loss has happened. The dentist will surgically place the implant to ensure proper placement.
The next step that your dentist will take is creating impressions of your teeth in order to create a tooth replacement that is custom to your mouth. The tooth replacement that's attached to the implant will be a bridge, crown or denture. Since each person's teeth are a slightly different shade, your dentist will take care to match the color, size and shape of your existing natural teeth.
Generally, people seek out dental implants in order to improve the aesthetic of their smile so having one that is natural-looking is always one of the main concerns. Every characteristic from the material the tooth replacement is made of to the lab tech making the crown will impact how natural the dental implant appears.
As with most things, your dental implant can last a lifetime with the appropriate care. Keep in mind that you'll need to practice excellent oral hygiene and care for your implant just as you would your natural teeth, brushing twice a day and flossing once each day.
By the time your dental implant has been placed and the tissue has healed, a casual observer will be hard-pressed to tell the difference between your dental implant and your natural teeth.
Plus, replacing missing teeth will also protect your oral and overall health by preventing surrounding natural teeth from shifting to fill the gap left by a missing tooth. The dental implant will also preserve your facial structure, preventing the 'sunken' look that can result from missing teeth.