Dental Implants are a great solution for replacing missing teeth. Not only do they look, feel and function like your natural teeth, but they also help prevent bone loss, which can be detrimental to the health of your entire body.
Unlike other tooth replacement options, implants are made from titanium and integrate with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration (oss-ee-oh-in-tuh-GRAY-shun). This is a solid base that your artificial tooth can rest upon, just as roots do for natural teeth.
Your dentist can determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants by taking X-rays of your mouth and performing a physical examination. They will also use a 3D cone beam CT to look at the inside of your jawbone and determine if you have enough bone for an implant. If you are looking for a skilled Sarasota dental implant specialist, you may visit https://www.thesarasotadentist.net/dental-implants/.
If you’re a candidate, the next step is deciding on which type of implant is best for you. There are two main types of dental implants: endosteal (in the jawbone) and subperiosteal (on top of the jawbone).
The choice depends on the size, shape and health of your jawbone and the specific needs of your particular situation. An experienced dental professional will be able to recommend the type of dental implant that’s best for you.
A single dental implant is typically used to replace one missing tooth, such as a front tooth or a molar. A bridge can be placed on top of an implant to fill in the spaces left by missing teeth, while a full arch (upper or lower) of implants can replace all of the teeth in your mouth.
Implants are durable, dependable and strong. They can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.
If a patient doesn’t have enough bone to support an implant, a procedure known as bone grafting can be performed. This process can take between 6 months and a year, but it’s a simple and effective alternative to traditional dental implant treatment.
During this process, your dentist will insert an implant post into your jawbone beneath your gums and cover it with an abutment. The abutment is then covered with a crown that looks and functions just like your real tooth.
Once your abutment has healed, your dentist will place your new tooth, or teeth, on top of the abutment. Your new teeth are custom made to match the color of your natural teeth.
In most cases, a dental implant will last your lifelong, if you maintain good oral hygiene habits and follow your doctor’s instructions on how to care for them. It’s important to visit your dental professional for regular checkups and cleanings to make sure your implants stay healthy.
The most important thing to remember about your dental implant is that it should never be chewed or touched by anyone but your dentist. This means you shouldn’t smoke or use chewing tobacco, and you should avoid consuming any substances that might irritate the implant or cause it to break down prematurely.