will my dental implants look real

Will My Dental Implants Look Real?

There are many reasons why someone may need to get a tooth, or several teeth, replaced. However, one of the main concerns among patients is whether or not the implant treatment will look and feel real. Thanks to the advancements in cosmetic dentistry, we can confidently say yes!

Missing teeth can affect a person’s physical and mental health. With dental implants, you can rest assured knowing that the smile you’ve always dreamed of is attainable.

What does a dental implant look like?

Dental implants and implant-supported dentures are designed to look and function the exact same way your natural teeth would. They are nothing like conventional dentures, but rather an advanced procedure that requires surgery. 

To better understand this restorative dental treatment, we have to break it down into its three main parts: the base, the connector, and the dental restoration. 

1. Base: Your teeth are attached to roots. In the event of decay, fractures, or other issues within or below the gums, your roots will be removed and replaced with dental implants. Dental implants are titanium screws that are placed into your jawbone and are not visible through the gums or skin.

These metal cylinders eventually fuse into your jawbone, thereby providing it with the stability it needs to retain its chewing strength. At the same time, it strengthens the mandible and prevents gum and tooth loss in the long term.

Thanks to these implants, the shape of your face and smile will remain the same, as opposed to traditional dentures where bone loss occurs and causes your jaw to resorb, or deteriorate and sink in.

2. Connector: An abutment is the connecting element that attaches the dental implant to the denture, crown, or bridge. 

3. Dental Restoration: This, of course, is the visible part of the implant treatment in the form of a crown, denture, or bridge. It’s customizable and carefully crafted with porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia materials to perfectly match the size and color of the teeth that are being replaced. Ideally, the end result will look indistinguishable to your existing teeth so there should be no noticeable differences. If a full set of artificial teeth are needed, they will be created with fake gums that resemble your natural ones as well.

Without a doubt, implants are the most natural-looking and effective solution for replacing missing teeth long-term. But will they feel different than your normal teeth once they’re placed in your mouth?

Before dental implants
Before dental implants
After dental implants
After dental implants

Do dental implants feel natural?

While conventional dentures don’t feel natural to eat or speak with, implants will generally feel identical to your real teeth. The only exception is that they lack nerve sensitivity. 

Dental implants replace the root that used to hold your tooth in place. When the original root is removed, so are the nerves that are attached to it. Therefore, any hot or cold sensation will disappear after the root removal process. Some sensitivity may be felt from the nerves within the gums but they won’t come from the implant itself. 

For this reason, dental implants may feel strange at first, but after the recovery period is over, there should be no more pain.

The amazing thing about implant-supported dentures, versus traditional ones, is that it doesn’t impact your ability to chew and taste food. Implants provide your jaw with the support needed to tolerate chewing with normal force, therefore once your mouth has fully healed, you will be able to eat virtually anything.

Finally, they’re secured to your jawbone so they won’t slip off while eating or speaking. While semi-regular dental checkups are necessary for deep cleaning, caring for them at home is essentially the same as normal teeth— that is, by brushing and flossing them daily.

How can I make my dental implants look natural?

When it comes to dental restorative treatments, dental implants are the most natural-looking option. However, ensuring that your artificial teeth look identical to the ones being replaced is both an art and a science. 

Implant-supported dentures are customized to a patient’s preferences, in terms of the shape, size, and color. In order to make them look as natural as possible, it’s important to select a realistic shade of color that matches the existing teeth, or the old ones if a complete set of dentures is needed.

Our dental implant experts at Kootenai Dental Group will gladly help you throughout this process to ensure that you’re satisfied with your decision.

Customizing dental implants to the patient’s needs

The technology and method used by an oral cosmetic surgeon is important when it comes to designing your new teeth.

First, digital impressions are taken to ensure that the patient has enough bone density for the implant surgery to be successful. If there is an infection or other issue within the gums, it will be identified and addressed at this point. All new patients will receive a free exam and x-rays at our clinic.

Second, impressions and measurements of the jaw and mouth will be taken. The existing teeth will serve as a guide in determining the size and shape of the artificial ones. The dentist will provide color options to help the patient select the appropriate shade of their new teeth. The materials used in making artificial teeth cannot be whitened after they’re made, therefore if a patient wants to bleach their teeth, it’s recommended to have that procedure done prior to the implant surgery. 

At Kootenai Dental Group in Coeur d’Alene, ID, we use high-end machines to create artificial teeth that are identical to natural ones. Our dentists, Dr.Delwyn Dick, DDS and Dr.Lamont Murdoch, DDS have over 25 years of experience in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. 

For implant-supported dentures, we will meet or beat any written quote from another office for the same materials used, as well as $600 off the first dental implant.

Are dental implants a good choice?

There are many benefits to dental implants. Not only do they give people the ability to speak, smile, laugh, and eat with confidence, but they also have a 98% success rate and if properly cared for, can last a lifetime.

In most circumstances, they’re the best choice for restorative dental treatments. Give us a call at 208-762-8750 today to schedule your appointment!

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