Will my dental implant look like my natural teeth?
Patients who require dental implants often ask whether their tooth replacement will look natural, and similar to their existing teeth.
At Hall Dental Centre, we understand you may have concerns or be nervous about getting a dental implant, but we want to help set your mind at ease – dental implants are designed to look and feel very similar to your natural teeth.
Particularly for patients who require implants for their front teeth, the aesthetic aspects of replacement teeth might be one of their primary concerns. After all, this oral surgery will generally need months to heal between stages. You will likely want the result of your treatment to look and feel as natural as possible.
Whenever we are able, we like to help answer questions, address concerns and help our patients to set expectations about what life with dental implants will be like and how they will look and feel.
How can you make my dental implant look as natural as possible?
Some patients will require a bone graft to ensure their jawbone is strong enough to support the dental implant permanently. 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.
Next, the dentist will take dental impressions of your teeth so a custom-fit tooth replacement can be made. 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.
To many, the aesthetic aspect of dental implants is one of the most important reasons for replacing missing teeth. Every characteristic from the material to the tooth replacement itself is made in a dental lab and will impact how natural the dental implant appears.
When cared for properly, dental implants can last a lifetime. It's important to remember that you will need to practice excellent oral hygiene and care for your implant just as you would your natural teeth, brushing twice a day and floss 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.