Cosmetic Dentistry – Boost Your Smile With Veneers, Dental Implants, and Teeth Whitening

Cosmetic dentistry aims to bring symmetry and balance to the teeth. This is done through many procedures, such as composite bonding and veneers, dental implants, and tooth whitening.

Most cosmetic dentists focus on aesthetic improvements, although some provide therapeutic benefits. Cosmetic dentistry is usually elective and, therefore, not reimbursable by insurance. Click https://bocadentallasvegas.com/ to learn more.

dental care

Boosting the brightness of teeth is one of the most commonly requested cosmetic dentistry treatments. Teeth whitening removes surface staining and discoloration, which can make teeth look yellow or dull. It can also remove stains caused by foods, beverages, and medication. This cosmetic treatment is safe and effective for most patients, but it’s important to consult a dentist before beginning tooth whitening.

The whitening process uses oxygen-releasing molecules to break down stains and discoloration. This helps the dentin beneath the enamel to show through and brighten the smile. The type of whitening agent used varies from over-the-counter products like whitening kinds of toothpaste, gels, and rinses to a more intense in-office bleaching technique. In-office whitening typically involves placing a protective solution on the gums and applying a high-strength bleaching compound to the teeth. Afterward, a special light or laser device activates the bleaching agent and enhances the results.

Teeth whitening is one of the most affordable cosmetic dental procedures, and results can be seen immediately. However, it is not permanent, and touch-ups may be needed every several years or more often if you smoke, drink dark-colored beverages, or take medications that discolor the teeth (such as tetracycline).

In addition to boosting your confidence, a whiter smile can improve your oral health by making it easier to remove food debris between the teeth and around the gum line. This can help prevent bacteria accumulation and gum disease from unremoved food particles.

Finally, a smile with stains can affect your overall appearance and make you feel less attractive. This can affect your self-image and how others perceive you, especially in the age of digital photography and social media. Whiter teeth can help you appear younger, more energetic, and more attractive to potential employers or romantic partners.

Veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry option that can transform your smile and give you the confidence you deserve. They are thin porcelain coverings that hide stains, chipped teeth, or misaligned teeth. They are created based on impressions your dentist takes of your teeth, so they look natural and feel comfortable in your mouth.

Porcelain veneers are also known for their durability and longevity, lasting up to 15 years with proper care. They can withstand some chewing pressure, but it’s important to be careful and avoid biting down directly on your veneers. You should also avoid eating hard, crunchy foods or using your teeth to open packages.

The first appointment involves a consultation where your dentist will discuss your goals and determine the type of veneer that is best for you. They will also take pictures of your smile to help with the design process. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about your veneers and voice concerns. During this appointment, you’ll also know how your veneers will look by being fitted with provisional teeth. This will allow you to test them out and ask any friends or family for feedback before they are finalized in porcelain.

For the second appointment, your teeth will be prepared by removing a layer of enamel equal to the veneer’s thickness. Once this is done, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth and send it to a lab to be crafted. In the meantime, you’ll receive temporary veneers to wear.

Once your new veneers are ready, you’ll return to the office for a follow-up appointment. The dentist will remove any excess cement, check your bite, and make any adjustments needed. They’ll also schedule a visit in about five to seven weeks to ensure your teeth and gums respond well to the veneers.

Although veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure, your dental insurance plan may cover some of the cost if it is determined that they are medically necessary. It would be best if you always spoke with your insurer to determine your coverage before you undergo any dental treatment.

Implants replace the roots of missing teeth and provide stability for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. They help to maintain bone structure, prevent the deterioration of surrounding teeth, and improve facial features such as the cheekbones. They also enable people to eat nearly anything they want without worrying about food restrictions that come with removable restorations such as bridges or dentures.

A person’s dental history and oral health are evaluated to see if they are a good candidate for this tooth replacement option. If they are, a treatment plan is prepared. Depending on the location of the missing tooth, the implant procedure may involve several steps that are spread out over time to allow the mouth to heal between procedures.

An incision is made into the gum tissue during the implant procedure to reveal the bone beneath. A small metal anchor post an abutment- is placed in the jawbone. A replacement tooth, called a crown, is then affixed to the abutment. Unlike traditional restorations, dental implants don’t require adhesives or stitches.

While some patients might need a few weeks or months for the implant to integrate with the jawbone, many experience little to no discomfort during this period. Once the implant is healed, routine brushing and flossing should be performed to keep the area healthy. Avoiding activities that could damage the implant, such as chewing hard objects or smoking, is also important.

Dental implants can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life. They eliminate the need for food restrictions, reduce the likelihood of decay and infection, and help to retain natural jawbone density. They also help to support other dental treatments, such as crowns and dentures. Because they look and feel like natural teeth, patients can smile with confidence. In addition, dental implants can eliminate the sagging that often occurs with missing teeth. This sagging can cause wrinkles and folds around the mouth, giving people a witch-like chin appearance or the “marionette lines” that can make them look much older than they are.

A straight smile may seem like a vanity goal for some, but it has many benefits beyond a confidence boost. Teeth straightening addresses various bite issues, help chewing, and improves oral hygiene. It also reduces stress on the jaw and teeth, reducing issues like wear and tear, cracked or chipped teeth, and soreness.

Crooked teeth can have gaps and pockets that hide food bits and provide breeding grounds for bacteria. These bacteria can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated. Teeth straightening can eliminate these spaces, making it easier to practice effective dental hygiene that removes bacteria before they cause serious problems.

Another benefit that might surprise some is that straight teeth can help your breathing. People with crooked or protruding teeth tend to breathe through their mouths rather than their noses, a condition known as mouth-breathing. This can dry out the mouth, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that accelerates tooth decay and gum disease and contributes to bad breath.

People with crooked teeth are more likely to grind or clench their jaw, which can cause wear and tear on the teeth and bones of the jaw. When the teeth are straight, this strain is eliminated, and there is no need to develop painful sores from chewing or grinding.

When teeth are straight, it is easier to maintain proper oral hygiene, which includes brushing and flossing. This can reduce the amount of plaque that builds up between crowded teeth, which can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Straightening your teeth can also lower the risk of a receding gum line, making the face look older. Whether you choose traditional braces, clear aligners, or surgical intervention, the result is usually a healthier and brighter smile. Reduced stress on the teeth and jaw can also alleviate various health conditions, including neck pain, headaches, and shoulder problems. For these reasons, more adults are choosing to get their crooked teeth straightened than ever before.

Vitamin Injections For Nutrient Deficiencies

Vitamin injections are a great option for those who suffer from nutrient deficiencies because they bypass the digestive system. They also offer higher absorption rates than oral supplements.

Many people suffer from vitamin deficiencies, even those who eat a balanced diet. Regular vitamin injections can help increase energy, improve sleep patterns, and improve skin health. Click https://houseofaesthetix.com/ to learn more.

vitamin injections

A fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin A is an important nutrient for human development and health. It also affects immune system function and helps cells grow normally. Vitamin A can be found in animal sources, including retinol and retinoic acid, or plant sources, such as beta-carotene and several major carotenoids, notably lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

Vitamin A injections are an effective way to boost the body’s immune system. The injections bypass the digestive system, allowing the vitamins to enter the bloodstream immediately. The absorption rate of vitamin injections is much higher than that of oral supplements and over-the-counter vitamins.

The injections can also be used to improve the appearance of the skin. They can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, increase collagen production, even out skin tone, and reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars. Vitamin A can also stimulate hair growth and thicken the scalp.

Injections can also help pregnant women get the vitamins they need. Research has shown that vitamin deficiencies during pregnancy can heighten stress levels and increase the production of cortisol, a hormone that can lead to weight gain and poor eating habits. Vitamin injections can give the expectant mother a healthy dose of nutrients and boost the immune system to keep her feeling strong throughout the pregnancy.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphate. It is produced naturally by the body when exposed to sunlight and is also available in some foods, such as fish and dairy products. Vitamin D has several health benefits, including maintaining healthy bones and teeth, fighting certain diseases, regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and boosting the immune system.

Many people are deficient in vitamin D, and vitamin injections are a convenient way to quickly get the vitamin into the body. They are typically administered into the arm’s deltoid muscle and can increase levels of the vitamin in the bloodstream within six weeks.

Injections are more effective than oral supplements because they bypass the digestive system. That allows the vitamins to be absorbed into the bloodstream faster and maintain vitamin levels longer than supplements. Injections are also a better option for those who struggle with poor absorption, such as those with inflammatory bowel disease or cystic fibrosis.

Aside from helping to treat vitamin D deficiencies, a high vitamin D intake has been linked to improved skin health and reduced risk of depression. Studies have found that those with adequate vitamin levels are less likely to develop upper respiratory infections.

Getting the right amount of vitamin D is important, but it’s also crucial not to go overboard. Too much vitamin D can lead to toxicity, causing nausea, vomiting, fatigue, bone pain, and kidney issues. If you have questions about how much vitamin D your body needs, consult a doctor.

While vitamin injections are an easy and effective way to boost your immune system and improve skin health, it’s best to avoid self-injections. A highly-trained, certified mother-daughter team like Vida Bella Med Spa can safely administer the right dosage according to your specific needs and provide long-term benefits for your overall health. The team will also recommend other treatments to help you feel your best. Visit their website to schedule your appointment today!

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in the production of DNA and red blood cells. It’s necessary to help the body convert food into fuel and stay energized throughout the day. It’s also essential for brain function and helps maintain a healthy metabolism. Injections deliver a high dose of this vitamin directly to the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive process. They’re most often used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency or for their fat-burning and weight-loss properties, but the treatment also offers many other health benefits.

A low level of Vitamin B12 is associated with fatigue and weakness. Regular injections can reduce these symptoms and boost energy levels. It also plays an important role in developing myelin, which protects nerve cells. Vitamin B12 injections can also boost cognitive function and reduce depression symptoms. There’s been a correlation between Vitamin B12 deficiency and dementia, so this treatment can help improve mood and reduce the risk of these issues developing.

Injections are a safe and effective way to boost the supply of this vital vitamin. They’re a great option for those who cannot consume enough of this vitamin through diet or have problems with digestion. They’re also a good choice for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as the fetus and infants need a steady supply of this vitamin to develop properly.

Vitamin B complex injections combine all eight subtypes of this vitamin to deliver specific health benefits. These include the ability to metabolize carbohydrates, promote heart health, strengthen the nervous system, and increase your metabolism. This vitamin is crucial to maintaining a healthy immune system and preventing anemia. It’s even been shown to help treat blurred vision in those with age-related macular degeneration. This condition gradually reduces central vision, and a Vitamin B12 injection can slow or stop this damage. Talk to your doctor about this exciting new treatment option and how it can benefit you. They’ll be able to provide more information and help you get started.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that works as an antioxidant and supports healthy immune function. It also helps your body absorb other vitamins, including vitamin D and iron. Vitamin injections provide a more efficient way to deliver vitamins because they bypass the digestive system, making them available for absorption in higher concentrations.

Injections can be used as a dietary supplement or to treat vitamin deficiencies. For example, a Vitamin B Complex injection can help restore energy and eliminate symptoms of vitamin B deficiency like fatigue, numbness in the limbs, and anemia. Vitamin B injections are comprised of eight essential vitamins vital for metabolism, cardiovascular health, and the nervous system functioning.

Another popular use of vitamin injections is in cosmetic treatments. Injections can reduce wrinkles and even skin tone, increase collagen production, and lighten discoloration and stretch marks. The injections can also enhance your hair growth and strengthen your nails.

The injections can be tailored to your specific needs. For example, many people who suffer from gastrointestinal disorders benefit from a combination of amino acids and vitamins that help repair damage to the gut. Vitamin injections can also help you lose weight by increasing your metabolic rate and reducing fat storage.

Injectable nutrients are becoming increasingly popular for their benefits and convenience. Unlike over-the-counter supplements, vitamin injections are delivered directly into the bloodstream and can be adjusted according to your personal goals.

Moreover, over-the-counter vitamin pills often have inconsistent absorption rates, while vitamin injections give the body 100% of the personalized formula. That ensures that you’re getting the most benefits from your treatment.

Additionally, vitamin injections are safer than over-the-counter supplements because they are administered under medical supervision. However, consulting with a medical doctor before taking any new supplements or vitamin injections is important. They can evaluate your medical history and other factors to ensure you get the best results from your treatment.

Chiropractors and Chiropractic Wellness

Venn Chiropractic and Wellness Center treats patients experiencing back pain, neck pain, and other injuries. However, they also practice wellness care, which is proactive rather than reactive.

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While doctors wait for symptoms before prescribing medication, chiropractors provide physical solutions like adjustments, exercises, stretches, and muscle therapy. This is what makes chiropractic a wellness approach to healthcare.

A chiropractor can treat a wide range of conditions. Anything that affects the musculoskeletal system and impacts the nervous system can benefit from chiropractic treatment. This can include back neck, joint pain in the arms and legs, and headaches. Chiropractors also provide maintenance care to help keep your joints moving properly, even when you’re not experiencing painful symptoms.

In addition to examining your spine and joints, a chiropractor can conduct neurological examinations to assess the function of your motor, sensory, and cranial nerves (such as testing reflexes). A chiropractor may recommend imaging or laboratory tests, such as MRI or CT scans, to confirm your diagnosis before beginning treatment.

During chiropractic manipulation, your chiropractor will use their hands to apply controlled force to a joint and guide it through a range of motion. This restores the joint’s natural movement and improves its function. A common type of spinal manipulation is called a “spinal adjustment.” This procedure can be used on other joints, such as those in your wrist, ankle, or knee.

When your spinal column is out of alignment, it can cause pressure on nerves and other structures, resulting in pain, inflammation, and disease. Correcting the misalignment can decrease inflammation and return your body to normal functioning. Maintaining proper spinal alignment is also important to reduce the risk of future problems and encourage your body’s innate healing abilities.

Many people seek chiropractic care when experiencing pain from a back injury, sports injury, or everyday stresses and strains in life. A reputable chiropractor can help relieve your pain and teach you exercises, stretches, and self-care techniques to prevent the problem from returning. They can also advise you about healthy eating and lifestyle habits to prevent additional pain or discomfort.

Chiropractors can also assist with chronic sinusitis, which causes pain or pressure in the hollow cavities in your skull and face. Regular spinal adjustments can increase drainage and ease sinus pressure, thus helping you feel better. This treatment is typically covered by insurance, although you’ll likely need to pay out of pocket for the X-rays and other diagnostic procedures your doctor orders.

Chiropractors are trained to help alleviate bone, muscle, and joint pain. They do not prescribe medication and often work with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians or pain experts, to manage patient treatment.

A chiropractor manually manipulates the spine and other joints to restore proper function to the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. This helps to reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote overall wellness. Many people turn to a chiropractor for help with back pain, neck pain, and headaches, among other conditions.

When a person visits a chiropractor, the practitioner will take their health history, perform an examination, and conduct tests to diagnose the problem. This information is used to create a treatment plan and monitor progress. Chiropractors do not prescribe pain medication but instead rely on the body’s ability to heal itself with spinal manipulation and other forms of therapy.

In addition to performing diagnostic procedures, chiropractors educate patients on health-related issues such as proper nutrition and exercise. They may also recommend patients see other health care professionals, such as a cardiologist or rheumatologist, for treatment of medical conditions.

During a chiropractic adjustment, a doctor will use their hands or an instrument to apply a sudden force to a spinal joint to move it into a more natural position. This technique is called spinal manipulation, and it can be performed on any joint in the body, including the knees and wrists. When a spinal adjustment is completed, the doctor can sometimes hear a popping sound caused by a sudden release of gas in a joint, known as a cavitation. However, this is only sometimes the case; adjustments can be effective with an audible pop.

While some healthcare professionals still refer to vertebrae as misaligned, the chiropractic profession debunked this term. Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to improve spinal alignment and allow for the uninterrupted flow of nerves throughout the body. While some people may benefit from additional treatments, such as physical therapy or over-the-counter medications, most find relief with regular chiropractic treatment.

Spinal manipulation, or chiropractic adjustment, is a hands-on treatment that helps reduce pain and improve your body’s alignment. It’s used to treat musculoskeletal problems, such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, joint aches, and stiffness in the arms and shoulders, legs and hips, knees and ankles, and jaws and teeth. Seeing a chiropractor may help you avoid the need for surgery or prescription medications.

In addition to spinal adjustments, your chiropractor might use other manual therapies to ease spasms and release tension in the connective tissue surrounding muscles (fascia). These include trigger point therapy, massage, and stretches. They might also use joint bracing or taping (Kinesio taping) to support sprained joints and muscles.

Chiropractors are also experts in helping you maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. They can offer advice about healthy eating and provide a range of dietary supplements to encourage your body to function properly.

If you suffer from back pain caused by a pinched nerve or slipped disc, seeing a chiropractor as soon as possible is important. It’s a safe, effective treatment that can reduce your need for opiate pain relievers. A 2020 study found that chiropractic care significantly decreased the number of painkiller prescriptions people had to fill.

A chiropractor can also help you with your posture. If you spend a lot of time sitting at your desk or on the phone, your chiropractor can show you stretches and exercises to help keep your spine straight and prevent a forward slump that could cause back pain.

Neck pain is common, especially if you work at a computer or have bad posture. A chiropractor can ease neck pain by gently realigning your spine and releasing tension in your neck muscles. They also recommend stretches or other manual therapies to help your neck heal faster.

A chiropractor can also help you deal with headaches and migraines. Studies have shown that spinal manipulation can help decrease the frequency of migraine headaches and reduce their severity. A chiropractor can also help you manage neck and shoulder pain caused by whiplash or an accident.

When you start looking for a chiropractor, you’ll want to choose one with plenty of experience treating your condition. This way, they will know the most effective and safest treatment approaches. You’ll also want to find out what kind of insurance they accept and if they have any payment plans. You should also check the doctor’s website for testimonials from past patients.

Another good way to find a chiropractor is to ask your friends for recommendations. This is because you will get personal advice on the service or product from trusted sources that aren’t trying to sell you. This will give you an idea of what to expect from the chiropractor, including their customer service and office environment.

Once you’ve got a list of chiropractors, it’s important to compare them to see which ones fit your needs. For example, if you’re suffering from chronic back pain, you’ll want to find someone experienced in treating this condition. You’ll also want to determine whether they offer flexible hours and a convenient location.

It would be best to look for a chiropractor who is willing to discuss your health history and listen to your concerns. This will help them develop a personalized treatment plan for you. They should also be able to explain their approach and answer any questions you may have.

Finally, make sure to visit the chiropractor’s clinic before you decide to work with them. This will allow you to see the facilities and meet the staff. It’s also a great way to gauge how comfortable you will be during your treatments.

About Dentistry

Everything You Need To Know About Dentistry

Dentistry is a medical practice that focuses on keeping a person’s teeth, mouth, and jaw healthy. It also aims to prevent dental issues from developing that may affect other parts of the body.

Dentists are highly trained medical professionals who must complete rigorous educational programs and pass national and state exams before they can practice. They also often need to complete a residency before becoming licensed.

Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene is the prevention and treatment of oral diseases like gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath. It includes brushing and flossing regularly, using mouthwash, and visiting the dentist for teeth cleanings and examinations. Dental hygienists help patients understand how to maintain good oral health. They also use their skills to identify and treat problems such as gum disease, infections, bone loss and other issues.

Dental hygienists must be licensed in every state in which they work. Applicants must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program and pass a national board exam to become a registered dental hygienist. In addition, dental hygienists must be self-disciplined and willing to devote a significant amount of time to their studies. They must also have excellent verbal communication skills, including listening, summarizing, paraphrasing and describing.

Students interested in pursuing a career as a dental hygienist should take high school courses that focus on health, biology, chemistry, math and speech. Many colleges and universities offer an associate degree in dental hygiene, while others offer a four-year bachelor’s degree.

The program at LCCC is a full-time, three-year program that provides classroom and clinical instruction. During the program, students learn about topics such as patient management, head and neck anatomy, medical ethics, dental radiography, nutrition and periodontics, the study of gum disease. They are also required to complete a number of laboratory and clinical hours, as well as pass a criminal background check and drug screening.

Dental Cleanings

Despite your best efforts, it’s impossible to remove every bit of plaque and tartar from your teeth with brushing and flossing alone. During a routine dental cleaning, a dentist or hygienist will use tools to remove these buildups from your teeth, as well as from in between your teeth. They’ll also polish your teeth and apply a fluoride treatment to prevent future buildup.

The main reason that people need regular professional cleanings is to avoid serious oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay. When left untreated, these problems can lead to severe pain, infection, and even tooth loss. Regular cleanings give your dentist and hygienist the chance to detect these problems early on, before they become more serious.

A professional dental cleaning starts with a comprehensive examination of your mouth and facial area. This includes taking your vital signs, recording your medical history, and checking for any abnormalities. It also gives your hygienist the opportunity to look for any hardened plaque or tartar, and to recommend treatments to help you prevent further buildup.

A typical dental cleaning will last about 30-60 minutes, and is usually performed by a dental hygienist. Some dentists offer sedation dentistry to make the cleaning process more comfortable. Some people may need more frequent professional cleanings than others, but most will benefit from seeing a dentist every six months. This frequency can be adjusted based on your individual needs, however.

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings repair decayed teeth, restoring their function and preventing further damage to the tooth. There are many different types of dental filling materials, and the type your dentist uses depends on a number of factors, including the location and extent of the decay, the cost of the filling material and your insurance coverage.

Tooth fillings, or restorative dentistry treatments, are used to treat cavities (dental caries), the holes in the teeth that form when bacteria on your mouth break down food particles and produce acid that damages the enamel of the tooth. A cavity is often painless, especially when it is still small, but if left untreated, the hole will get bigger and eventually cause more significant problems with the tooth, such as infection.

A dental filling consists of a material that ‘fills’ the damaged portion of the tooth, which is then hardened with a curing light or laser. The dentist will first use a drill and other tools to remove the decayed portion of the tooth, then clean the area and apply the filling. A local anesthetic may be used before the treatment to ensure you are comfortable.

Most dental fillings are made of a porcelain or composite resin, but gold and silver fillings are also commonly used. Gold and porcelain fillings are created outside the mouth before being glued into a tooth’s cavity, which takes more time than other treatments. Resin-based composite and glass ionomer fillings are tooth-colored and release fluoride to help prevent future tooth decay. They last less than amalgam fillings, but they are safer and do not contain mercury. Amalgam fillings, which consist of silver, copper, zinc and tin, are also safe and have been in use for more than 150 years.

Root Canals

A root canal is a dental procedure that involves removing the soft inner part of a tooth, called the pulp. The pulp contains nerve tissue, blood vessels and other cells that help the tooth grow. It also senses hot and cold temperatures and provides a sensation of pain when a problem occurs. A root canal treatment is needed when this inner tissue becomes inflamed or infected, and if left untreated, the infection can spread.

During a root canal, the dentist removes the damaged tissue and cleans the area. Then, they fill the empty space with a rubber-like material called gutta percha and seal the area. They may also add a small support to strengthen the tooth, as well as place a crown on top to protect it in the long term.

Many people worry that root canals are painful, but the techniques used during this procedure have greatly improved over recent decades. In fact, the vast majority of patients experience no significant discomfort during or after root canal therapy.

However, some people can have an immune system that is unable to tolerate root canals. There are anecdotal reports of chronic infection months to years after a root canal, but this is rare. If you are worried, talk to your dentist.

It is important to have regular dental checkups, as this can help reduce the risk of infection in a tooth’s pulp. If a root canal is needed, it should be performed as soon as possible, so the pulp isn’t further inflamed or damaged. It is also a good idea to get routine dental cleanings so that a dentist can detect signs of a pulp problem, such as pain in the tooth or gums, swelling or a bad taste.

Dental Implants

The roots of natural teeth are embedded in the jawbones to provide stability and help translate the bite force of the upper and lower jaws into biting and chewing power. Dental implants mimic the function of natural teeth by replacing missing tooth roots. Made of titanium, a material that integrates well with the human body, dental implants fuse to the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. They serve as a stable foundation for replacement teeth such as dental crowns, bridges, and hybrid dentures.

Implants also prevent bone resorption in the area of the missing tooth. If no dental implant is placed within the first year of a tooth extraction, the bone in that area can shrink up to 25%, and continued loss can lead to other problems such as crooked teeth or impaired speech. In addition, an implant-supported bridge or full set of dentures can help a person speak and eat more easily and clearly.

Before you get an implant, a dentist will perform a clinical assessment to see if you are suitable for the procedure. They will take X-rays and possibly a CT scan to assess the quality of your existing bone and plan where the implant should sit. They may also recommend that you have a bone graft or sinus lift to prepare the area before you have your treatment.

A dental surgeon will insert the implant into your jaw during a minor oral surgery procedure. They will give you anesthesia to numb the area and may offer sedation for your comfort. Using a specialized tool, they will create an opening in the gum tissue to expose the bone. They will then place the implant in the hole and use a specialized tool to widen the opening until it is the right size for the replacement tooth. A small connector post called an abutment will then fit onto the top of the implant to hold the replacement tooth.