Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular and permanent solution to missing teeth. The implant mimics the root of a tooth, helping to preserve the bone density in your jaw.
Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth and are designed to blend in with your other teeth. They are an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile. In fact, the development and use of implants is one of the biggest advances in dentistry in the past 40 years. Dental implants are made up of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. They are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth.
How They Work
Dental implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, where they serve as the roots of missing teeth. Because the titanium in the implants fuses with your jawbone, the implants won’t slip, make noise or cause bone damage the way fixed bridgework or dentures might. The materials in implants can’t decay, unlike your own teeth which support regular bridgework.
In general, dental implants may be right for you if you:
- Have one or more missing teeth
- Have a jawbone that's reached full growth
- Have adequate bone to secure the implants or are able to have a bone graft
- Have healthy oral tissues
- Don't have health conditions that will affect bone healing
- Are unable or unwilling to wear dentures
- Want to improve your speech
- Are willing to commit several months to the process
- Don't smoke tobacco
How You Prepare
The planning process for dental implants may involve a variety of specialists. Because dental implants require one or more surgical procedures, you must have a thorough evaluation to prepare for the process, including a:
- Comprehensive dental exam: You will have dental X-rays and 3D images taken so that models can be made of your teeth and jaw.
- Review of your medical history: Tell your doctor about any medical conditions and any medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and supplements. If you have certain heart conditions or orthopedic implants, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics before surgery to help prevent infection.
Advantages of Dental Implants
- Improved appearance
- Improved speech
- Improved comfort
- Easier eating
- Improved self-esteem
- Improved oral health
- Durability
- Convenience
Parts of Dental Implants
Dental implants typically have three parts:
You can use dental implants to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or a full upper and/or lower set of teeth. If you need to restore a full arch, you may be a perfect candidate for the full mouth treatment.
Different Types Of Implants
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. In this case, multiple implants are the best solution. Two fixtures are implanted and the crown is attached, leaving the natural teeth intact.
Single Tooth Implant
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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