Dental implants are the optimum long-term solution for missing teeth. Whether you have lost a tooth due to trauma, long-term neglect, a failed root canal, or a variety of other conditions dental implants are the best choice for your missing tooth. A dental implant itself consists of a titanium screw, and it’s placed directly into the jawbone, replacing the missing root of the tooth. The bone surrounding the implant will eventually fuse to it, holding it in place firmly for many years.
The implants provide an artificial replacement for the root of missing teeth and are then covered with a crown or cap to look like the rest of your teeth. Whether lost because of illness, injury, or decay, missing teeth can affect your speech, the shape of your face, the health of your jaw, what you are able to eat, and take your confidence and your smile away. Dental implants can offer a solution to all these maladies.
HOW DO DENTAL IMPLANTS WORK?
When you have implants placed into your jawbone, you get the stable support that you need for artificial teeth. The dentures and bridges that are mounted will not slip, and they will not move around your mouth which is essential when you are eating food or speaking to others. The secure fit can ensure that the caps or crowns placed on the top stay in place, and you can feel confident in using your artificial teeth just like you would your natural teeth. The most significant advantage of dental implants is that there doesn’t need to be any preparation work done to adjacent teeth to hold the implant in place.
Some people have bridges or dentures in their mouths, but find that these do not provide the permanent solution they hoped for. It is then that patients come to us for advice and information about implants. When you come to see Dr. Patel about dental implants, she will examine your mouth and ask certain questions about your current lifestyle to see whether you are a good candidate. You need to have healthy gums with the right bone support in place to ensure that the implant is able to function. Keeping these structures healthy is vital, and meticulous oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are a must to keep them that way.
TYPES OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
While there is a wide array of needs for dental implants, and many procedures to fit the individual’s need, there are are two basic types of dental implants. Implants placed in the jawbone, and implants placed on the jawbone.
Endosteal Implants
These implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone in an initial surgery and allowed time to heal. The second surgery is to connect a post to the original implant. Then, an artificial tooth is attached to the posts individually, and then a crown or cap is added.
Subperiosteal Implants
During this procedure, a metal frame is fitted to the jawbone just underneath the gum tissue. When the gums heal, the structure is then fixed to the jawbone. The posts, which are then attached to the frame, protrude through the top of the gums. Artificial teeth are then attached to the posts.
Endosteal implants have been the preferred method for implants because of their superior successful and long-term results. For the past forty years, dental implants have been extensively used and are a natural-looking and durable solution for those with missing teeth.
For patients who have dental implants, maintenance consists of regular care at home and dental cleanings. Implants should be cared for by an experienced dentist, and Dr. Patel can help guide you with any special instructions. She can restore the implant if needed to ensure that you have continued success with the tooth replacement. If you have any questions, please give our office a call to schedule an exam and consultation with Dr. Patel.