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What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants consist of a titanium screw that is implanted into the gums and fused to the jawbone and then capped off with a dental crown. The dental crown can be color-matched to the rest of your teeth, which will look natural enough that no one will even know you were missing a tooth in the first place.
Dental implants are easy to care for and when they are properly cared for, they can last for years. All that needs to be done is you must floss and brush daily, just like you would a normal tooth. Daily brushing and flossing paired with your normal dental checkups are sure to help your implant last a long time without any issues.
Dental implants also function just like a normal tooth and restore any biting ability that you may have struggled with while missing a tooth. There are no restrictions on what you can chew with your implant and you can once again eat any of your favorite foods that you might have had to avoid while missing a tooth.
Implant Procedure
Dental implants are a fixed restoration designed to replace one or more natural teeth. They consist of three separate parts: the post, the abutment and the crown.
The post, which is made of titanium, is implanted under the jawbone during a minor in-office surgical procedure. While the surgery site heals within a week, it will take several months before the post fuses with the jawbone and becomes stable enough to support the rest of the implant.
The second section, the abutment, is a tiny cylindrical piece of metal that is attached to the post. It protrudes above the gum line, allowing the final portion of the implant, the crown, to be affixed on top. Multiple teeth can be attached to a single implant; this cuts back on cost and recovery after placement. In the case of full mouth restoration, denture plates can be attached to a full set of implants on both the upper and lower gum ridges.
When fitted together, each portion of a dental implant replicates the structure of a natural tooth, providing the patient with stability and longevity unlike any other dental restoration available. Implants can also help to prevent facial sagging in the future. Facial sagging can be caused by the deterioration of your jawbone after tooth loss. With dental implants, you’re restoring stimulation to the gums since the implant is fused into the jawbone. This helps prevent bone deterioration. Implants also keep the remaining natural teeth stable by filling in gaps and providing support for the teeth that surround them.
Contact Your Dentist Today!
If you struggle with a missing tooth, dental implants may be the best choice for you. Contact your dentist today to see if you’re a candidate for dental implants and how they can benefit you. Get back to smiling today!