Health

What Are Dental Implants?

Your smile isn’t the only thing impacted by tooth loss. They will alter how you eat, how you talk, and how you feel. The solution of modern dentistry is stable and durable. This is known as a dental implant.

This treatment provides a natural restoration for lost teeth. It looks real. It feels stable. And it functions just like your natural tooth.

Understanding a Dental Implant

Essentially, a dental implant is a mini titanium post. It is inserted into your jawbone by a dentist. Works similarly to an artificial tooth root.

After it heals, we place a crown on top. It has the appearance of a real tooth.

There are three main components that make up a full dental implant system:

  • The post (the part of the implant that is inserted into the bone)
  • The abutment (connector piece)
  • The crown (the visible tooth)

Combined, they make a very strong and secure alternative.

What’s the Process of a Dental Implant?

Your jawbone is stimulated by the pressure of chewing. As soon as you lose a tooth there is no longer a root system to support that surrounding bone and it begins to resorb.

This is where a dental implant comes into play. Over time, that titanium post essentially becomes part of the bone. This process is called osseointegration.

When the implant has healed, it is integrated into your jaw. It does not move or slip. Your confidence is not going to fall off your mouth, you can chew and speak.

Implants are in between these two because this is why many people prefer implants, not dentures.

Who is a Good Candidate?

The process of getting a dental implant can be completed by almost any healthy adult. However, certain conditions matter.

You would be a great fit if you:

  • Be missing one or more teeth
  • Have healthy gums
  • It also requires sufficient jawbone to accommodate the implant
  • Do not smoke heavily
  • Maintain good oral hygiene

This can be decided after a dental checkup and X-ray, which say whether you are eligible for treatment or not.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Implants are a very popular choice these days for a wide variety of reasons.

Here are the main benefits:

Natural Look and Feel

A dental implant integrates into your other teeth. None of the humans can even tell them apart.

Long-Lasting Solution

Implants can last for decades when properly cared for. Many even last a lifetime.

Strong and Stable

Implants are not removable so they WILL NOT shift unlike dentures.

Protects Jawbone Health

By stimulating the jaw, implants also help to prevent bone loss, which is a common problem that occurs after tooth loss.

Improved Confidence

Smile, talk, and eat, without any fear now.

The Dental Implant Procedure

The treatment happens in stages.

The first part of the process involves your dentist inserting the implant post into your jaw. Healing takes a few months. This period of time is when the bone attaches to the implant.

Next, the abutment is attached. And, finally, the top gets a custom placed crown.

That could take several months. However, the results are waiting!

Final Thoughts

Discontinuity of permanent occlusal is avoidable. A dental implant is a permanent, natural-looking fix.

It restores your smile. It strengthens your jaw. And it adds to your quality of life.

Speak to your dentist if you need to replace missing teeth. A single dental implant may be the durable, lasting solution you’re looking for.