Dental Implant Procedure Guide
Posted on: 26 June 2023
Dental implants are a great option to replace missing teeth. Not only do they look like natural real teeth, but they are durable. If you would like to know more about dental implants, keep reading.
What Are Dental Implants?
Technically, a dental implant is a titanium artificial tooth root. The dentist drills the implant directly into the jawbone, and the jawbone supports it. Once healed, the dentist places the porcelain crown: the portion you see above the gumline.
If you're missing one tooth, the dentist may recommend a single dental implant, which consists of one titanium implant and one porcelain crown. If you're missing more teeth, however, an implant-supported bridge may be a good idea because they replace multiple teeth with one prosthetic.
For patients with severe tooth loss or decay, a full set of upper or lower implant-supported dentures may be a good idea. Implant-supported dentures must be removed for cleaning and to avoid gum irritation, but the implants have special "snaps" that hold the dentures.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Since the dental implant crown is made from porcelain, dental implants look incredibly close to natural tooth tissue. More importantly, however, they don't put extra strain on healthy teeth like traditional dental bridges.
Dentists use titanium for dental implants because titanium and bone can fuse, which creates two major benefits. First, the jawbone is incredibly strong and can withstand a lot of pressure. Since an implant directly uses the jawbone for support, this makes them incredibly durable.
Second, the implant ensures the jawbone remains strong. Jawbones tend to shrink after tooth loss. Even if you replace the missing teeth with a traditional bridge or dentures, the jawbone continues to shrink because they don't impact the jawbone directly. Over time, facial bone loss can change the shape of your face, making your lower face appear collapsed and older.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are cosmetic procedures, so your insurance may not cover any of the cost. Since implants can be expensive, make sure you have the budget to afford your implants. You may also need to pay to have the crown replaced as needed, but with good care, the titanium implant can last for life.
Before getting a dental implant, however, you must treat any uncontrolled gum disease to prevent complications with the implant. You'll also need to have good oral health habits to prevent gum irritation and disease.
Last, you need a strong jawbone to support dental implants. If you've already lost bone density from tooth loss, you may need a bone graft before the implant process. This increases treatment time, recovery, and cost.
If you're missing teeth, you may be considering dental implants. They are the most durable way to replace missing teeth, and they keep your jawbone healthy. If you would like to know more, contact a local dental implant service provider today.
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