Dental Implants are the Most Reliable Alternative to Natural Teeth in Payson, UT

The look and feel of your smile are some of the most important aspects of daily life. Missing teeth can affect your self-confidence, overall health and can put your other teeth at risk. Luckily, Dr. Cheyn Gunnerson at Gunnerson Dental in Payson, UT, offers reliable, affordable dental implants, which are considered the best alternative to natural teeth.

The Benefits of Implants

Missing teeth can damage self-confidence, but they also pose a threat to your remaining natural teeth. Your teeth work in conjunction with one another, and when any are missing, the other teeth can drift or shift, eroding your jawbone and potentially leading to a collapsed mouth. If you’re missing teeth, it’s important to consider the options for replacement, if only to restore the balance of your mouth and preserve your bite.

Implants are the sturdiest, most reliable replacement available for natural teeth. Unlike bridges or dentures secured to your surrounding teeth, implants are naturally integrated into your jawbone, giving them the same function and force as your natural teeth. With routine maintenance, similar to that of your natural teeth, implants can last a lifetime.

What to Expect from Dental Implants

If you’re missing teeth or need to have a tooth removed, dental implants may be the right option for you. Dr. Gunnerson can talk you through the benefits of every available approach, and you’ll determine the best course of action together based on your specific dental goals.

If implants are right for you, you’ll schedule an appointment for impressions. At this appointment, Dr. Gunnerson will use the latest in 3D imaging and X-ray technology to assess the form and function of your bite and what needs to be restored. He’ll use these images to have a special crown designed, tailored to fit your needs.

The placement of dental implants begins with a small surgical incision in your gums. The area will be numbed to prevent any discomfort. Through that incision, Dr. Gunnerson will drill a small hole in your jawbone, where he’ll place a tiny titanium rod. This will serve as the anchor for your implant. Dr. Gunnerson will then stitch up the incision, and you’ll head home for a short period of healing. Over the next several months, your jawbone will naturally integrate with the titanium rod, securing it in place. Once that has healed, you’ll return for the placement of your crown. After a quick examination to confirm everything has healed correctly, Dr. Gunnerson will install your custom crown by simply screwing it into the rod, effectively restoring your smile.

If your crown later becomes chipped, cracked, or otherwise compromised as the result of unexpected physical trauma, it screws on and off and can easily be removed and replaced. With proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups with Dr. Gunnerson, your implant could last a lifetime.

If you’re a patient living in or near Payson, UT, and interested in implants, contact Dr. Gunnerson to learn more about the process and potential benefits. He’ll talk with you about your goals and help you determine the best course of treatment. Make an appointment today by calling Gunnerson Dental at (801) 658-0175.