Lots of our patients have been living with a missing tooth for longer than they really care to admit. Sometimes it just kind of happens gradually, and people find themselves getting around it by avoiding certain foods or feeling a little self-conscious about showing off their smile. When they do finally make an appointment and we start talking about their options, invariably dental implants in Burlington come up as the top choice for getting back to having a natural-feeling tooth. CAD/CAM technology allows dentists to digitally design and create custom dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, and bridges. Using digital scans and computer-aided manufacturing, CAD/CAM provides precise restorations that fit comfortably while often reducing the need for multiple dental visits.
A dental implant is basically a small titanium post that gets inserted into the jawbone where the missing tooth used to be. Over time, the bone starts to grow around that post and hold it in place, like it’s one of your own roots. Once the process is complete a custom-made crown is put on top, and the result looks and acts a lot like the real thing. The whole point is that you shouldn’t have to even think about it while you’re eating or talking or doing anything else. 3D Printing has transformed modern dentistry by enabling the creation of accurate dental models, surgical guides, night guards, and orthodontic appliances. By using digital scans and advanced printing technology, 3D Printing helps improve treatment planning, efficiency, and overall patient outcomes.
One reason we so often recommend this option is how it helps the bone below: the jawbone in that location stops getting the stimulation it needs when a tooth is lost, and it starts to shrink over time. This can have a noticeable effect on the shape of your face, and even impact the teeth around the gap. The implant actually solves this problem by taking over the role of the root and keeping the bone healthy and active.
As a prosthodontist, putting in and fixing implants is a big part of my job and I have the skills and experience to handle the whole process, from the surgery to put the post in, to designing and fitting the final crown. We also think about how the implant will work with your other teeth and bite because we consider the whole mouth, not just the individual parts. That’s especially important for patients who have other issues we can address at the same time, because implants are generally part of a larger restorative dentistry strategy that tackles a number of problems in one go.
We always want to make it clear to patients that it does take some time before they see the results. The bone takes a few months to mend around the post after it’s been put in, and then the final crown is made and fitted. It can seem like a long wait, but the end result is well worth it because you’re giving your body the time it needs to heal properly.
When you come in for a consultation at our Burlington clinic, we do pretty comprehensive scans and go over your medical and dental history to make sure you’re a good candidate for the procedure. Most people with good bone density can go ahead, and if you have lost a bit of bone we can talk about ways to make the process a bit easier. We also go over what to expect at each stage and how you might feel during the recovery, as well as how to take care of your implant once it’s all in place.
The truth is, taking care of an implant is pretty straightforward. You just brush and floss around it like you would any other tooth, and with regular check-ups, implants can last for many years. If you’re one of the people who’s been putting off dealing with that missing tooth, we invite you to come in and have a chat. Don’t worry, the first step is just getting a clear picture of where things are and what your options are, and that’s no rush.