What is Dental Implants?

When you lose a tooth, there are some changes that are going to take place in your mouth. Some of the jawbone in that area will be partially reabsorbed – between 40 and 60 percent, which means that it will become thinner as some of the calcium and other minerals are leached out of it. This will also likely cause some drifting of nearby teeth, which may cause them to become misaligned.

Depending on how many missing teeth there are at the same place, it can also cause a change in your jaw, tissue around your mouth, and your smile. Dental implants can prevent these problems because it will fill in the gap and prevent bone loss.

Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, some of them, or even all of them. They consist of three components: a post, an abutment, and a crown. The post is made of titanium, which is a metal that is biocompatible. As it heals, the bone and gums will naturally grow around the post and attach to it.

In order to be considered as a good candidate for the tooth implant process, you need to have healthy gums and sufficient jawbone. For individuals who do not meet these qualifications, surgery can be conducted beforehand, which could include gum grafting and bone grafting. An alternative method is also available.

An implant can be used in multiple configurations. They can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. When replacing multiple teeth that are side-by-side, two posts may be installed at both ends of the gap, and the multiple teeth may be connected by a bridge. Neighboring teeth are not in any way touched by this procedure.

When all the teeth are missing in an upper or lower jaw, two or four implants can be placed in the jaw. A denture is made that will attach to the posts, and it is removable.

When it comes time for the dental implant surgery, local anesthesia may be used, or general. The periodontist will first place the titanium stem (implant) into the jawbone. The stem looks like a screw and it is placed in the socket where the missing or extracted tooth was once located.

The tooth implant can be placed in one of two ways. The most common method is called endosteal implants. It places the implant directly into the jawbone. The second, but the less popular method is referred to as a subperiosteal implant. In this case, the implant rests on top of the jawbone, but under the gums. This method is used when there is insufficient bone available.

Time for healing is then needed after the implants have been placed. A temporary crown will be put on it to enable chewing and a more comfortable feel. Once healing has occurred, then the surgeon will put the crown in place.

Some surgeons are able to provide dental implants and crowns in one visit. This requires healthy gums and sufficient jawbone.

Once the implant surgery has been completed, you will need to allow between two to six months for the bone and gums to attach to the implant. This is what is necessary for it to be stable. While healing is taking place, the bridges, implant supported dentures, and crowns will be made.

A second step may be necessary to uncover the implants. This is because the gums may have covered them during the healing process. Then special caps are placed on top that will hold your new teeth.

Dental implants have many advantages over other systems of tooth replacement. They include:

• Superior durability – implants can last a lifetime. They do not develop cavities or need a root canal.
• Superior jaw protection – dental implants are the only tooth replacement system that prevents bone loss.
• Preserves your facial appearance – Because it preserves your jawbone, your face can retain its fuller shape.
• Superior function – enables you to eat and talk without your teeth slipping. It also enables you to eat most anything.