Have you recently had to have a tooth extracted? Been missing multiple or all the teeth in your smile for years already? Is your friend or loved one missing teeth and you’re simply trying to help them out? While there are many ways to replace teeth, dental implants are unique for a few different reasons. To learn how they stand out and other important facts about the basics of dental implants, keep reading!
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants consist of three main components: the titanium post, the abutment (or small connector) and the restoration that goes on top. All three parts are essential for providing the best long-term solution to missing teeth.
The titanium post is designed to sit underneath the gum tissue inside of the bone, which is what distinguishes them the most compared to other options like bridges and dentures. This means they work to mimic the tooth root, ensuring stability and longevity. However, that also makes them one of the more expensive options for replacing teeth.
If a person is missing a single tooth, one implant is placed inside of the jaw to act as an anchor. Implants can also hold a bridge containing anywhere from two to four teeth, however, at least two implants are necessary to keep it stable. Additionally, a series of four to eight implants can hold an entire arch of teeth, whether it’s for the top or bottom jaw.
How Do Dental Implants Stay in Place?
Dental implants undergo a process known as osseointegration, which is the same process that other medical implants make once they are surgically placed inside of the body. The post is often made from titanium, which is a biocompatible material. This means, much like hip replacements, dental implants physically bond with existing bone tissue in order to stay in place.
Even if there is not enough bone tissue present in the jaw, surgeons can expand the volume of the jawbone through bone grafts, making dental implants viable.
Why Should You Choose Dental Implants?
Ever since their conception in 1965, dental implants have quickly become the gold standard for replacing single, multiple, and entire arches of missing teeth. As a result of many decades of research and development, they are now one of the most reliable tooth replacement solutions in dentistry to date. This is why so many dentists recommend them to patients who are missing teeth, whether they are young adults or seniors.
On top of that, dental implants:
- Dramatically improve biting force to make chewing tough foods easier
- Make the smile look incredibly natural
- Last for decades (and even the rest of the patient’s life) when properly cared for
- Prevent the need for modifying nearby teeth
- Reduce risk of future tooth loss
- Stop neighboring teeth from shifting out of place
If dental implants sound right for you or a loved one, don’t wait to call a dentist today to learn more!
About Dental Designs of New England
Thanks to their expertise, the dentists at Dental Designs of New England can perform the entire dental implant process in-house. Their experience, education, and advanced technology are sure to give you confidence in your future tooth replacement, no matter how severe your tooth loss may be. To schedule a consultation and learn more about treatment, you can contact them through their website.
