Dental Implants

Dental Implants in St. George, UT

A Permanent Solution for Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can affect both your appearance and your oral health. Whether due to tooth extraction, injury, or decay, gaps in your smile can make it difficult to eat, speak, and feel confident. Dental implants are a permanent, effective, and natural-looking solution to replace missing teeth, offering advantages that other restorative options, like bridges or dentures, cannot.

Unlike dental bridges, which require altering neighboring teeth to anchor the replacement, dental implants are standalone restorations that do not compromise your healthy teeth. They provide long-term stability, preserve jawbone integrity, and restore your smile’s natural appearance.

How Dental Implants Work

The dental implant process is carefully planned and typically completed over several months to ensure proper healing and optimal results. Here’s an overview of each step:

Step 1: Implant Placement

The first stage involves placing the implant, which acts as an artificial tooth root, into the jawbone. A small incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone, and a titanium screw is inserted. Titanium is biocompatible, allowing the bone to fuse naturally with the implant over time, creating a strong and stable foundation.

If multiple teeth need replacement, several implants can be placed in a single procedure. Once the implants are positioned, the gums are sutured closed to promote healing.

Step 2: Healing and Osseointegration

After placement, the implant undergoes a healing period of approximately 3 to 6 months. During this time, the process of osseointegration occurs, where the jawbone grows around the implant, securing it firmly in place. This natural fusion is critical to the implant’s long-term stability and functionality.

While the implant heals, temporary crowns or prosthetics can be placed, allowing you to eat, speak, and maintain your smile without disruption. These temporary solutions ensure you retain a natural appearance throughout the healing process.

Step 3: Placing the Abutment

Once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, an abutment is attached. The abutment serves as the connector between the implant and the final restoration. Once it is placed, an impression is taken to ensure that your permanent crown, bridge, or denture fits perfectly and matches the natural contours of your teeth.

Depending on the dental office, the restoration may be fabricated onsite using advanced dental technology or sent to a specialized dental lab.

Step 4: Permanent Restoration

After your restoration is complete, you return to the dental office to have it permanently attached to the abutment. The final crown or prosthetic is designed to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size, creating a seamless, functional, and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Most patients report that once they are accustomed to their new implant, it feels just like a natural tooth, allowing them to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer numerous advantages over traditional tooth replacement options:

  • Natural Look and Feel: Implants mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth.

  • Permanent Solution: With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.

  • No Impact on Neighboring Teeth: Unlike bridges, implants do not require grinding down healthy teeth.

  • Bone Preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss that often occurs after tooth loss.

  • Improved Oral Health: Implants make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene compared to removable dentures.

Are Dental Implants Right for You?

Dental implants are ideal for individuals with one or more missing teeth who have sufficient jawbone density and healthy gums. Even patients with some bone loss can often receive implants through additional procedures such as bone grafting.

A consultation with your dentist is essential to determine if dental implants are right for you. During your visit, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, review your medical history, and create a personalized treatment plan to restore your smile.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Dental implants provide a long-lasting, natural, and functional solution for missing teeth. At An Apple A Day Family Dentistry, we are committed to helping patients regain their confidence and oral health with the most advanced implant technology and personalized care.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier, and more confident smile.