Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. They provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone. They provide a stable base for attaching artificial teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Natural Look and Feel: Implants look and function similar to your natural teeth.
Durability: With proper care, implants can last a decades.
Bone Health: Implants prevent bone loss that can occur when teeth are missing.
Improved Oral Health: Unlike bridges, implants don’t require reducing other teeth.
Enhanced Comfort and Convenience: Implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.
The Dental Implant Process
Initial Consultation: The dentist evaluates your oral health and determines if you’re a good candidate for implants.
Extractions (If Needed): If there’s a broken or infected tooth that needs to be taken out, the dentist will extract the tooth before placing the implant. In some cases, the implant can be placed immediately after the tooth is extracted while others you’d have to wait for the jaw bone to heal first.
Surgical Placement: The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone.
Osseointegration (Bone Healing): Over a few months, the implant fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. The bones grow between the threads of the implant and results in the implant being anchored into the jawbone.
Healing Cap Placement: Once integrated, a cylindrical attachment is placed on top of the implant. This is called a Healing Cap and helps improve the shape of the crown coming out from the gums.
Artificial Tooth Placement: Finally, a custom-made crown is attached to an abutment that attaches to the implant.
Aftercare Tips
Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.
Visit your dentist for regular check-ups.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates are those with healthy gums and enough bone to support the implant. People with chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease need to be evaluated on an individual basis as these systematic disease can interfere with the healing process that is required for the implant placement.
Conclusion
Dental implants are a reliable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth, providing numerous benefits for your oral health and overall quality of life. If you’re considering dental implants, schedule a consultation with us at Carlton Dental to discuss your options. You could also learn more about dental implants on our website here.
