Question: What Are Dental Implants?

A simple question: What are dental implants?

If you have teeth that are missing, there are a few different solutions. You could get partial or complete dentures, bridges, or dental implants. Dental implants replace missing roots and are a comfortable, natural looking, and long-term alternative for tooth replacement. What is more, you do not have to worry about misplacing them or replacing them many times, and they are aesthetically superior to the other alternatives. They work so well that you might even forget that they are not your real teeth!

Dental implants are composed of two main parts: the implant itself and the crown. The implant is a root made of titanium, which is placed into your jawbone. The crown is the replacement tooth, which is attached to the root and secured inside your mouth. Thus, dental implants do not need to be anchored to adjacent teeth, which retains the integrity of your otherwise healthy teeth. However, numerous visits to your dentist or specialist may be necessary before the procedure is complete. Moreover, you will likely be given anesthesia during the treatment in order to assist with the pain. The healing process typically takes several months.

These artificial teeth are easy to care for and function just like natural teeth. Nonetheless, just with natural teeth, you will need to regularly brush and floss in order to avoid plaque. Regular dental check-ups are also important, in order to ensure that your teeth and gums are properly cleaned and that your dental implants are not loose. In rare cases, dental implants may not bond to your bone.

The dental specialist will have to examine your mouth and take x-rays to make sure that you are fit for the procedure. So long as you are in good health, have enough bone in your jaw for the implant, and have healthy gums, you will likely be an excellent candidate. However, you may also be able to receive a bone graft, which will add new bone to your jaw.

For more information on what dental implants are and how to go about getting them, talk to the professionals at The Lowe Centre For Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry.