Dental implants are tooth roots that are meant to be a replacement for your own roots. Replacement teeth fashioned to resemble your natural teeth in color and shape can then be affixed to these roots.
The method for adhering the new tooth to the fabricated root is usually meant to be permanent, though they can sometimes be removable.
If you have gaps in your smile, you may be pleased to know that you can replace missing teeth with dental implants. Keep reading to learn more about this cosmetic dentistry option.
Advantages of Dental Implants
There are a number of reasons that patients find dental implants to be preferable to other types of tooth replacements.
First, they look and perform like your real teeth because the implants fuse to the bone in your gum over time, becoming permanent.
Dentures, for example, are not attached and can slip in your mouth, causing your speech to be slurred. This is not a problem with implants. Other activities like eating are far easier, as well.
Dental implants are comfortable and likely won’t even be noticeable over time. They’re also just more convenient, as there’s no need for removing them for cleaning or for the use of adhesive.
You may be interested to note that the teeth surrounding an implant are not modified or touched in any way. This cannot be said for dental bridges which require modification of the surrounding teeth in order to adhere the bridge to them.
Finally, you can expect dental implants to last for a long time.
Candidates for Dental Implants
Most healthy individuals can get dental implants. It is important that your gums are healthy and that you have enough bone structure to keep the implant anchored.
Some issues that will need to be considered on a person-to-person basis are chronic health conditions, heavy smokers and patients who’ve undergone radiation therapy to the head area.
The dentist will be able to assess your unique situation in order to determine if you are a good candidate. Anyone who receives dental implants must make a concerted effort to maintain dental hygiene and attend regular dental checkups to ensure best results over time.
How Implants Work
After your consultation, the dentist will review the treatment plan with you, and you’ll be scheduled for your procedure. The implant itself is a post made of titanium that is placed in the gum where your original tooth once was.
Over a period of 6 to 12 weeks, the bone will heal and surround the post. This anchors it securely in the jawbone. Then an abutment, which is a small connective post, is attached to the implanted post.
The replacement tooth is made from a mold of your mouth and will also be matched in color to the surrounding teeth.
If you have any missing teeth, you may want to consider dental implants. Contact the office of Dr. Samuel F. Jirik, DDS today.
