Do Dental Implants Look and Feel Natural?

Louisville, KY

When discussing dental implants as a restoration treatment for missing teeth, one of the most common questions our Louisville dental implant experts are asked is if the implants will look and feel like natural teeth. The answer is yes! Especially since the large majority of people who are seeking implants are looking to restore missing front teeth, dental implants must be as close to the real thing as possible, and that’s exactly how they’re designed. From the metal “root” in the jawbone to the shape and color of the crown that tops it all, implants are designed to appear and function just like natural teeth.

We know it may sound confusing. So let’s start with the basics:

How do they feel real?

During the dental implant process, our skilled cosmetic dentists in Shepherdsville prepare the gums and jawbone for implant surgery to create a strong foundation. Next, small holes are drilled in the gum through the bone. These holes will eventually be home to implant posts. At this point, the implant starts stimulating the jawbone just like natural teeth. Through a process called osseointegration, the jawbone accepts the post and fuses around it, creating the equivalent of a tooth “root.” Next, an abutment, or small titanium post, is attached to the top of the implant post. This will serve as a connector between the implant post and the visible restoration, which is a custom-designed crown to match surrounding teeth in shape, color and function.

How do they look real?

Implants are designed to function and look exactly like natural teeth. The crown of the implant — what’s visible to the eye — reaches under the gum tissue, creating a seamless, natural-appearing bond between the gums and teeth. Advancements in dental technology have also resulted in new materials used in prosthetics that replicate a natural tooth in appearance, color and function. An implant, once complete, fits in beautifully with the teeth around it.

Invisalign in Louisville, Jeffersonville, and Shepherdsville, KY

Implants enjoy a 98 percent long-term success rate and have a host of benefits as a restorative treatment. If you’re missing a tooth or need one extracted, implants are the perfect solution. What’s more: their care is no different than natural teeth. Implement a strong oral hygiene regime — brushing twice a day, flossing once and visiting the dentist for professional cleanings twice a year — to keep your implants looking brand new! Interested in knowing more? Call us at Exceptional Dentistry today, 888-918-3336, or reach out to us online to schedule a consultation.