Dental implants are the top quality tooth replacement option. Implant dentistry can replace a single tooth, and multiple implants can support a dental bridge or dentures. Dentists highly recommend dental implants for patients who have missing or hopeless teeth.
If you’re considering getting a dental implant, you probably have some questions. What are dental implants? How do they work? Here’s an overview of this tooth replacement technology.
Single Tooth Replacement
When you are replacing one tooth that is either already missing or needs to be extracted, this is how a dental implant works.
The first step is to determine if you have sufficient bone density in your jaw to support an implant. Your dentist will take some images of your jaw to measure the thickness of the bone to make sure there is enough space to put an implant safely. If the natural tooth has been missing for a while, the bone may have weakened and partly dissolved in the area where the tooth used to be.
If there is not sufficient bone structure, a bone graft procedure may need to be done first. A bone graft involves surgically placing a piece of bone under the gum tissue on top of the existing bone. This helps to fortify the bone and encourage regeneration.
Once the jaw is ready to receive the dental implant, it will be surgically placed in the bone where the natural tooth root used to be. The implant is made of titanium, a biocompatible material that will fuse with the existing bone to form a solid bond. This process, called osseointegration, takes a few weeks to a few months to solidify.
The next step is to attach the abutment, which is a post that extends above the gums. Then the crown, typically made of porcelain, is attached to the abutment and the process is complete. You have a fully functional, natural looking tooth that will most likely last for the rest of your life.
Implant Supported Bridges
In cases where there are multiple missing or hopeless teeth, an implant supported bridge can be an affordable option. It is possible to replace all of your teeth with dental implants, but the cost for multiple implants is often more than most patients are willing or able to pay. Instead, a dental implant can be placed on either end of a bridge, which is a row of artificial teeth. The implants are capable of holding a bridge securely in place, replacing multiple teeth at once.
Implant Supported Dentures
If all of the teeth on either your upper or lower jaw are missing or hopeless, implant supported dentures are a quality replacement option. A few dental implants can be placed in the jaw to be used as anchors to hold dentures in place. Implant supported dentures are more secure and often more comfortable than traditional dentures because no adhesives or suction is needed to hold them in place. Another benefit is that the dental implants preserve the bone structure in your jaw, preventing the sunken jaw look that traditional denture wearers often develop over time.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
Now that we’ve answered the question of what are dental implants, it’s time to determine if one more dental implants is the right tooth replacement option for you. The best way to decide is to discuss it with your dentist. Your dentist can determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate for dental implants and answer any questions you may have.
Savannah Dental Solutions Provides Dental Implants
Looking for a dentist with extensive experience with dental implantology? Savannah Dental Solutions can provide you with one or multiple dental implants, as well as any preparatory procedures you may need, such as bone grafting. We also provide implant supported bridges and dentures.
Call (912) 354-1366 or contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to providing you with top quality tooth replacement services.
