There is no question that dental implants are hot right now. Patients are looking for a tooth replacement option that is more sturdy than dentures, and nothing beats implants in that respect. Dental implants are, as the name suggests, firmly implanted within the jawbone itself by a dental implant dentist, or periodontist. It doesn’t get more sturdy than that.
But if you’re considering dental implants, you will need some solid information to help you make the best choice for you and your own needs.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are a replacement option for one or more missing teeth that involve the placement of a titanium metal screw directly into the jawbone. Sensing the presence of the implant, your jawbone will organically fuse around it in time.
After this happens, your dentist will place an abutment over the screw, which will then have a dental crown attached to it to complete the process.
Dental implants offer a wide variety of benefits for patients, including:
- Long-lasting. Expected to last for a lifetime.
- Sturdy. Firmly anchored within the jawbone.
- Aesthetics. Closely matches the look, feel and function of original teeth.
Treatment options like dentures make a fine choice for many people. But dental implants are superior in almost every way. For example, dentures tend to be somewhat uncomfortable for the wearer. With implants, you probably won’t notice any difference between them and your original teeth.
Would I make a good candidate for dental implants?
You should make a good candidate to receive dental implants if you are currently in good general health, are not a smoker, and have adequate bone mass.
Some patients have been without one or more missing teeth for a long period of time. When this happens, the jawbone underneath the former teeth will begin to resorb, or melt away. If this happens to you, don’t despair. You may still make a good candidate to receive a dental implant by undergoing a bone graft procedure to shore up the area in preparation for an implant.
What happens after my implant procedure?
After your dental implants have been successfully placed, your general oral health will be enhanced. Your new implants will feel every bit as comfortable and firm as your natural teeth. We will be checking in with you on a regular basis to ensure that your implants are doing well.
What about bone grafts?
As mentioned earlier, if you have inadequate bone mass to support an implant, a bone grafting procedure will be required prior to implant placement. Although this will add some additional time and expense to the process, this procedure has a high rate of success.
The material used in bone grafts can come from a variety of sources, such as processed bone from animals, freeze-dried human bone material, a bone substitute, or bone donated by the patient.
Conclusion
Are you ready to see for yourself what dental implants can do for your smile? Contact our dental implant dentist, or periodontist today! New patients are welcome.
