Dental implants are prosthetic replacements for missing teeth.
Dental implants are artificial teeth positioned onto metal roots that provide a permanent replacement for the natural tooth and root. They can be used to replace one tooth or multiple teeth, and as long as they are positioned properly no one will ever notice it’s not a biological tooth.
Dental implant procedures can be a good option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or a genetic anomaly.
Why Dental Implants?
Dental Implants Offer Better Comfort and Stability
Compared to traditional dentures and dental bridges, dental implants offer better comfort and stability. They don’t cause friction against surrounding tissue and there are no removable parts. They are the best option for mimicking natural teeth and you simply care for a dental implant the exact same way you care for your teeth.
Unlike other options, dental implants are permanent; you won’t need to remove them at night before going to sleep and you won’t forget them in the bathroom before you leave the house in the morning.
Permanent Artificial Tooth Root
Dental implants are sometimes referred to as osseointegration because they’re secured by fusing with your bone tissue rather than remaining attached only by ligaments and periodontal tissues. By fully replacing the natural root, dental implants help anchor your replacement teeth so that they feel more secure than traditional dentures, allowing them to move naturally with your face when you talk or chew food.
They consist of three main parts:
- A biocompatible, medical-grade titanium alloy post (the implant) surgically placed into the jawbone. The post extends down into the jawbone, attaching itself to your natural bone structure and providing support for the rest of the implant
- An abutment sits on top of this anchor and connects with one end of an artificial tooth. This allows the dentist to attach replacement teeth directly onto the abutment, providing a more balanced bite than other methods
- An artificial crown rests on top of this component and covers it all up so nobody can tell there’s anything new or artificial inside your mouth
Replacing A Single Tooth
A single-tooth dental implant is commonly used to replace a missing front tooth in the upper or lower jaw but can be used for back teeth too. A single-tooth dental implant is placed into your jawbone and then a screw-in mechanism attaches it to the existing bone. This preserves bone and gum tissue while providing a strong foundation for a new crown or bridge.
Replacing Multiple Teeth With An Implant-Supported Bridge
If you’re missing a few adjacent teeth, it may be possible to repair the problem with a fixed bridge. This is an alternative to removable dentures and involves using multiple dental implants to support an implant-supported bridge.
A fixed bridge is fused directly into the jawbone, providing a solid foundation for your new teeth that can rival the stability of natural tooth roots. By attaching directly to the bone rather than existing teeth, this option avoids many common problems associated with traditional bridges like pain and loss of chewing ability due to loose connections between gums and bridges.
The beauty of full-mouth dental implants is that it avoids the inconvenience of a partial denture, improving the overall quality and convenience of dental health. If you’re considering replacing multiple missing teeth with one implant-supported bridge, talk with your dentist about what type would work best for your needs.
Dental Implant Three-Step Procedure
The dental implant procedure typically involves three steps:
- Consultation: before any cosmetic dentistry is performed, a scan of your mouth using an intraoral-oral scanner is taken. This establishes suitability by checking bone structure, density, and tissue that can’t be identified on traditional x-rays
- urgery to place the implant: a dentist with advanced training and experience will carry out your single-implant or implant-supported bridge surgery
- Restoration of the Implant: the postoperative visit is scheduled three to six months after initial placement. This allows time for the implant to integrate into the surrounding bone and soft tissue
Cost of Dental Implants
Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime and studies have shown them to be very safe and reliable. Costs can vary from case to case, but an approximate figure of $4,500–5,500 per implant is typical.
Contact Your Dentist
Dental implants are a superior option for replacing missing teeth. They’re durable, comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and can last a lifetime. If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants contact your dentist, as they will be able to provide you with the best solution for your oral health and your smile.
