Cosmetic Dentistry Implants
If you have a missing tooth, a
dental implant is a great way to
replace that tooth. To receive an implant, you have a metal post surgically
placed in your jaw, and then a false tooth is made to fit over the post. The
end result is the closest thing that man can do to mimic a tooth and its
natural root.
When a tooth is near the front of the mouth, there are
cosmetic issues that need to be addressed, and we recommend using a genuine
cosmetic dentist who has had full training in cosmetic dentistry. (For
referral to an expert cosmetic dentist, please visit our
referral page.) Getting the end result to look
like a real tooth is a monumental challenge. The teeth next to the implant
tooth will have complex color gradients that need to be matched in the false
tooth. The gums need to be sculpted in such a way that they look natural. A
cosmetic dentist will pay special attention to the placement of the implant
post so that the false tooth has the correct inclination in your mouth.
The other typical way to replace your missing tooth is
with a bridge. A bridge suspends the missing
tooth between the teeth on either side. Or, the tooth or teeth may be
replaced with a removable appliance.
The main advantage of an implant is that nothing has to
be done to the teeth on either side. If they are healthy, they can be left
untreated, whereas the placement of a bridge may require those teeth to have
crowns placed on them.
