Dental Implants
Dental implants are becoming increasingly popular among patients looking for a tooth replacement option that most completely replaces a natural tooth. Implants are a stable type of tooth replacement that provide the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. But before I undergo any type of dental procedure from a dentist near me, I’ll need to arm myself with the facts so that I make the best choice for my health.
What are dental implants?
Implants are a type of restoration involving the implantation of a metal screw directly into the jawbone, solidly anchoring it so that you can bite and chew with normal force. After placement of the screw, your dentist would place an abutment component over it, allowing for the subsequent attachment of a crown. The dental crown is the visible part above the gum line.
Dental implants components:
- Titanium metal screw
- Abutment
- Dental crown
The Procedure
Once it is determined that a dental implant is appropriate for you, you will have a follow-up appointment to have the first component of the implant placed within your jawbone. A few months later, if everything went smoothly, your jawbone will have organically fused around your new implant.
Once your jawbone has fused to your dental implant, your dentist will place an abutment component on top of it. They can then attach a dental crown to provide a chewing surface for you.
Should I get a dental implants?
To determine if a dental implant makes the most sense for you and your individual needs, you’ll need to take part in a consultation with your dentist. Here are a few things that your dentist will be considering.
Healthy Gums
To receive an implant, your gums must be free of disease. This is because gum disease would eventually undermine the dental implant. Once your gums are healthy enough, you may make a good candidate for an implant.
Sufficient Jawbone Density
Because your new implant will be anchoring a crown, it must have good support underlying it. Whenever a patient loses a tooth, the underlying jawbone will begin deteriorating. The process is called resorption, which is literally the jawbone melting away.
If you have insufficient jawbone mass to support a dental implant, you may still be able to get one if you first undergo a bone graft procedure. Donor bone can be inserted into the area so that it can eventually support a dental implant. Naturally, this will add somewhat to the cost of the procedure, as well as the time involved.
Proper Oral Hygiene
Dental implants boast an impressive 95+ % success rate. But if you are not keeping up with oral hygiene, your chances of retaining an implant drop dramatically. So before considering getting a dental implant, make sure that you are committed to practicing proper oral hygiene at all times so that you can keep your new implant for the rest of your life.
Your Consultation
If you would like to learn if dental implants are right for you, please contact our office to book your implant consultation at your earliest convenience.
