If you have gaps in your smile due to tooth loss, dental implants can help. Dental implants restore your smile by anchoring crowns and other types of prosthetic teeth securely in place. One of the reasons dental implants are so secure is that they are inserted directly into the jaw bone so they will not move around or slip out of place. Dental implants are available at our office in Ann Arbor, MI, where Dr. Gary Bloomfield can determine if you are a candidate for this exciting tooth replacement option.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small metal posts that look similar to screws. They are placed directly in bone tissue and function much like a tooth root by anchoring replacement teeth, such as dental crowns, bridgework, or fixed dentures. Dental implants are placed in the bone through a minor surgical procedure. Since they sit below the gum line, dental implants will not be visible once crowns or other restorations are in place.
One of the reasons dental implants are so secure is that the bone tissue permanently fuses to the metal through a natural process called osseointegration, which usually takes about three to six months. To be a candidate for dental implants, it is necessary that you have enough bone tissue. Without sufficient bone tissue, osseointegration cannot successfully take place.
Since bone loss often occurs following tooth loss, not everyone will be a candidate for dental implants. The experienced dentist at our office in Ann Arbor, MI, can determine if dental implants are an option for you.
Benefits of Dental Implants
You can benefit in several ways from restoring your smile with dental implants. Since they are inserted directly into bone tissue, dental implants are both long-lasting and extremely secure. They are also versatile. Dental implants are just as effective whether you need to replace only one tooth or several. For one tooth, all that is needed is a single dental implant and a crown. When filling larger gaps where several teeth are missing, multiple dental implants can be used to hold a bridge or denture in place.
An additional benefit of dental implants is that they help minimize many of the side effects that accompany tooth loss. For example, sagging or drooping of the face is likely to occur when there are not enough teeth to support the muscles in the face. Filling in the gaps with dental implants and prosthetic teeth provides much-needed support for facial muscles and minimizes drooping and sagging.
Dental implants also help preserve bone. The body naturally reabsorbs bone tissue in the jaw area when there are no teeth to support, which can affect your bite. Fortunately, the bone that is supporting dental implants will not be reabsorbed.
Dental implants can restore function and beauty to your smile after tooth loss. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Bloomfield to learn more about dental implants by calling our office in Ann Arbor, MI, at (734) 971-2310.