Many issues can affect your smile, and, unfortunately, some result in missing teeth. While there are a variety of ways to fix this, the staff at Brian S. Kubo, DDS, in Kamuela, HI, urges patients to consider dental implants. These fixtures serve as a long-term solution for missing or damaged teeth and can restore any cosmetic issues you’re facing. Here, they elaborate on the procedure and its benefits.

Dental implants are permanently implanted into your jaw. They’re perfect for replacing missing or damaged teeth and providing a low-maintenance fix. Before installing dental implants, your dentist will first remove any remaining pieces of tooth. Once the area is completely clear, they will drill through the gums into the jawbone to begin the implant process. Then, they will screw the implant, a titanium rod, into the jawbone. The healing process can take several months, but once the jawbone has grafted to the rod, the treatment can continue.

The next step of the implant procedure is to attach an abutment to the top of the rod. This appears just above the gum line, similar to a crown. Several weeks will need to pass for the gums to heal around the abutment, but once they do, the process is complete.

When everything has healed, your dentist will create a natural-looking crown that fits perfectly among the surrounding teeth. These are usually made of porcelain and will be fixed to the abutment. They require minimal dental care outside of regular brushing and flossing, and no one will be able to tell the difference between the implant and your natural teeth.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants, turn to the staff at Brian S. Kubo, DDS. They offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry services to give patients their dream smiles. Call (808) 885-8465 today to schedule an appointment, and visit the website to learn more about their services.