09/11/2020
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed, replacement teeth. Compared to dentures, bridges and crowns, dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth or chronic dental problems. Because they fit, feel and function like natural teeth, dental implants are quickly becoming a new standard in tooth replacement.
What makes dental implants feel completely comfortable and secure? Doctors use a medical-grade titanium implant fixture that, over time, actually fuses to the living bone cells of the jaw. This union forms a strong and durable anchor for your new teeth, meaning there’s no slippage or other movement (which can sometimes happen with dentures). There are also no problems eating with dental implants, no need to repair them regularly and no more worrying about smiling freely and openly.
Dental implants typically have three parts:
1) The implant: A screw that serves as a root for your new teeth. This is what permanently attaches to your jaw.
2) The abutment: A permanent, but removable by your doctor, connector that supports and holds a tooth or set of teeth.
3) The crown (or prosthetic tooth): This is the part of the tooth that you can see. It’s usually made of zirconium or porcelain for durability and good .
Full Mouth Implants
Patients who need to replace a full upper and/or lower set of teeth can now receive full mouth implants. An oral surgeon will place 4 implants and then attach a full arch of teeth, giving the procedure its name.
Multiple Implants
Occasionally a patient is missing more than one tooth, but still has healthy gums and surrounding teeth, and a multiple implant is the best solution. Two fixtures are implanted and the crown is attached, leaving other natural teeth intact. The multiple implant is not for everyone, and even if a patient is only missing a few teeth, it may still be preferable to perform a full mouth/arch procedure.
Single-Tooth Implants
If you have lost a single tooth due to an accident or from periodontal disease, that one tooth can be replaced using a dental implant. Your new tooth will look and function just like your other natural teeth.
For example, did you know implants can help prevent bone loss in the jaw? The natural erosion of bone begins as soon as a tooth is lost, and if nothing is done, this may result in the loss of other teeth and could cause a “sunken” look in facial features. Dental implants integrate with the bone, providing a stimulus that keeps the jawbone from deteriorating. This helps maintain a more youthful facial structure, boosts confidence—and leads to better oral health.
Dental implants could help improve overall health, too. With strong, full functioning teeth, patients can expand their diets and eat healthier foods again, like nuts and fruits.
