What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants huntersville north carolina are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, allowing for an implant crown to be screwed into the implant, thereby replacing a missing tooth! Once it has been established that a tooth is hopeless and cannot be restored, you may be advised to have the tooth extracted and have an implant placed. Your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon to determine if an implant is the best course of treatment for your individual case. It is actually quite important to replace a missing tooth for the sake of the remaining teeth. If the space is left open, the teeth can shift out of place, trying to fill the space themselves, thereby compromising the health of the shifting teeth and the jawbone.

Implants integrate into the bone structure, making them a very sturdy option as opposed to dentures and bridges. Implant-supported restorations provide stability and feel more natural than other options as they cannot slip or shift while eating or speaking. For patients who cannot tolerate regular bridges or dentures due to comfort issues or gagging reflexes, implants can be an easier option.

While bridges are a less costly option to implants to replace a missing tooth, they interfere with the structure of neighboring teeth since those teeth have to be prepped for crown placement. Implants do not affect neighboring teeth and are often more aesthetically pleasing. Bridges also have a significantly shorter lifespan than implants. Where an implant can last a lifetime, a bridge can require replacement after ten years or so.

To be considered a candidate for implant placement, your gum and bone structure will be evaluated to make sure they are healthy enough to receive and support the implant. There are two types of implants: Endosteal Implants and Subperiosteal Implants. Endosteal implants are more common to replace a single tooth. The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone and the abutment and implant crown are screwed onto the implant. Subperiosteal implants involve a metal frame that is fitted onto the jawbone. The frame has posts that protrude from beneath the gums onto which the abutment and crown are secured, for multiple teeth.

Implants are more expensive than other options but in the long run, are often the better deal. Implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance whereas bridges and dentures will need to be replaced periodically. If you are consistent with your oral hygiene and visits to your dentist and are sure to see your oral surgeon annually as well, you will make the most of your investment and ensure that your implant lasts as long as possible.

More on Dental Implants : What is the Procedure for Getting Dental Implants?