Between talking, eating, and smiling, our teeth are constantly on display, so you aren’t alone if you’re concerned about the look of the prosthetics used to replace your missing or damaged tooth. But do teeth implants look natural?

Do Teeth Implants Look Natural?

Fortunately, all professional tooth replacement options look quite natural, especially dental implants. From root to cusp dental implants are designed to imitate your real tooth, providing all the comfort and aesthetic appeal of a healthy tooth. 

What Exactly Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a three-piece prosthetic designed to copy the look and feel of a real tooth. Other tooth replacement options do look natural, but only a dental implant is capable of completely replacing your natural tooth. Unlike dental bridges or partial dentures, a dental implant is anchored to the jaw bone itself. This gives the implant unmatched stability. 

In addition to providing stability, the direct connection between the jaw bone and the implant actively helps your jaw stay healthy. You see, whenever you chew, your natural teeth put pressure on the jaw. This pressure encourages the jaw to absorb older bone and produce new bone as needed. It’s a vital process that keeps your jaw strong and healthy while maintaining the structure of your face. This is just one of the many reasons why your Los Angeles periodontist is likely to suggest a dental implant if you’re a good candidate. 

How to Know If You’re a Good Candidate

Placing a dental implant is a surgical process, and it can take several months to complete. As a result, your periodontist will want to be sure that you’re a good candidate. For the most part, their assessment will be based on your x-rays and general health. If you smoke or have any other habits/health conditions that slow your ability to heal, then you will want to disclose those as early as possible. 

Are you relatively healthy and have enough jaw bone to support a dental implant? Then you’ll likely be a good candidate for the procedure. There are even cases where people with mild to moderate bone loss can receive a successful dental implant. But a bone graft is often necessary to ensure success. Although placing a bone graft is a relatively simple procedure, it can add several months to the process. The reason: because the graft has to fully integrate into the bone before your dentist can place the implant. 

Are Dental Implants Worth the Wait?

Are you considering getting dental implants in Los Angeles? Then you’re probably weighing the benefits of dental implants against the length of the process. Dental implants do indeed require some patience because of the waiting in between steps. However, it’s safe to say that the wait is definitely worth it. 

A dental implant is the most natural-looking and feeling tooth replacement option available, and it is permanent. With the exception of replacing the porcelain crown every ten years or so, your dental implant will require virtually no maintenance outside of your normal oral hygiene routine. 

By contrast, dental bridges and partial dentures require constant maintenance. Due to the fact that they don’t stimulate your jaw bone, you will experience gradual bone loss with a bridge or denture. Over time, the shape and size of your jaw will change, necessitating frequent adjustments to ensure fit. These adjustments will help with comfort and function, but they will not restore the shape of your jaw. 

The Most Natural Look for Life

Thanks to the complete functionality of dental implants, your periodontist can ensure that your dental implant will look perfectly natural. Even in ten or twenty years as long as you take proper care of the crown!