Dental implants are a great option for those who need tooth replacement. They can be used to replace one or more teeth and they offer many benefits over other methods of treatment. Learn about the basics of dental implants, what they’re made from, and how long it takes to get them installed in this blog post!
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that can be surgically placed into the jawbone. When an implant is in place, it forms its own connection to tooth roots inside of your mouth and bone tissue around them within months.
Once this process has begun, a crown or bridge made from porcelain fused with metal may then be attached to the implant creating a new replacement tooth. This dental restoration will look like natural teeth and feel like real ones too!
Candidates for Dental Implants
Dental implants can benefit a variety of people! Generally, dental implants are used to replace one or more teeth. This is usually done when the tooth root has been destroyed due to decay and other factors such as periodontal disease. The loss of natural tooth roots will mean that your mouth cannot support a single replacement tooth without help from an implant post.
However, if you have any remaining healthy jawbone tissue you can be a candidate for this type of treatment option! It may also be necessary in some cases if there isn’t enough bone left around the empty socket because after time even gum tissues start wearing out too. In these situations, your dentist might recommend multiple implants to support a bridge or full arch replacement.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants offer many benefits over other types of tooth replacement. Implant-supported crowns are guaranteed to be permanent, unlike removable dentures that can become loose and slip around your mouth as time goes by.
If you suffer from TMJ or have sensitive teeth, implants will eliminate this problem because there is no need for a metal bar between the jaw and gums like with traditional bridges.
Some of the benefits of dental implants include:
- Improved chewing function
- A more attractive smile
- Ability to enjoy favorite foods again
- Improved self-confidence
- No need for adhesive denture adhesives
For many of our patients, dental implants not only benefit the health of their smile but also their overall happiness and wellbeing.
Alternatives to Dental Implants
There are several alternatives to dental implants available. They don’t, however, offer the same level of benefits. Teeth can be replaced using bridges that need metal teeth on either side for support or veneers which cover natural teeth with a thin layer of porcelain.
These options may not last as long and will often cause problems in the jaw joint over time due to their inability to fuse directly into your bone tissue like implants.
As you can see, there are many reasons why dental implant treatment is superior when compared to other tooth-replacement methods. Call us today to schedule an appointment to discuss how dental implants can improve your smile!