Tooth decay, gum disease, and injury cause the loss of several million teeth each year. This can create problems with speech, the ability to chew certain foods, and appearance when smiling or talking. The advances in implant dentistry have made it possible to easily replace a missing tooth with a more natural-appearing and better functioning dental restoration than in the past.
To learn more about how dental implants can improve your smile, schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry.
What Is A Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a post that is surgically placed in the space left after tooth extraction. Implants are typically made of titanium and replace only the root of an extracted tooth. In addition, it supports a dental prosthesis such as a bridge or dental crown that replaces the visible part of the tooth.
It is common to use the term implant to refer to the entire dental implant system. This system consists of these three components:
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The dental implant body. This titanium post is surgically placed in the jawbone to replace a tooth’s root.
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The dental implant abutment. This metal connector usually screws into the implant and protrudes above the gum line to support the crown.
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The dental crown. This is the part of the implant you can see. It is usually made of porcelain and gives the implant the appearance of a natural tooth.
Can You Whiten A Dental Implant?
When discussing whitening a dental implant, we refer to the crown portion of the implant system. You cannot whiten the porcelain crown after placing it on the implant. Although you can still have teeth whitening procedures to whiten your natural teeth, these will not whiten porcelain and may cause them damage. Therefore, it is best to have your teeth whitened before placement of the permanent crowns on your implants.
How To Keep Your Dental Implant White
Fortunately, we construct your dental crown with high-quality porcelain that resists stains. Here are some tips to keep your dental implants white at home:
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Avoid drinking excessive coffee, tea, cola, or other dark beverages. Brush your teeth as soon as possible after drinking beverages that easily stain your teeth and crowns.
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Try to brush or rinse your mouth with water after eating foods such as berries, tomato sauces, soy sauce, and other foods that stain easily.
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Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
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Floss your teeth daily using the proper flossing technique.
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Have regular oral examinations and professional teeth cleanings at Trident General Dentistry.
How To Make Sure Your Implant Matches Your Teeth
We closely match the shade of your natural teeth when we design your dental implant. For this reason, we recommend having your teeth whitened before you have implants placed. Once pleased with the shade of your natural teeth, we match the color with the porcelain of your permanent implant crown.
After receiving your implant, it is important to remember that your implant will resist surface stains easier than your natural teeth. This makes oral hygiene a critical part of maintaining the color match of your crown and natural teeth. In addition, preventing staining of your natural teeth helps ensure they remain as white as the porcelain crown on your implant.
Schedule Appointment
At Trident General Dentistry, we can replace your missing teeth with implants that look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment for a comprehensive oral exam and implant consultation.