Why Use Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a great solution for tooth loss, which is a common problem for many people. While some tooth loss is due to poor dental habits, this is certainly not always the case. Tooth loss can affect anyone, regardless of their oral health care. In many cases, tooth loss is the result of trauma, leading to a broken or missing tooth. Regardless of how tooth loss occurs, it is important to replace the missing tooth or teeth as soon as possible in order to maintain proper tooth alignment with the remaining teeth.
Many people assume dentures are their only option so they tend to shy away from seeking dental care. However, dental implants are a great solution and are now commonly used either in place of dentures, or as a support underneath a denture. Dental implants offer many advantages over traditional dentures. Although implants may cost a bit more than dentures, they are much more comfortable, easier to maintain and less expensive in the long run.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are similar to dentures in that they replace missing teeth. However, unlike dentures, dental implants are a permanent fixture placed into the bone and offer many benefits. Using a titanium screw, a prosthetic is gently placed into the bone. After healing, a crown is placed over the implant and cemented permanently. Not only do implants replace missing teeth, they also helps stabilize the surrounding teeth and maintain proper teeth alignment. One big advantage of an implant is that, because it is all metal, it is impossible to get tooth decay on an implant. There are several types of dental implants, mostly distinguished by the placement and type of implant used.
- Endosteal implants use implants that are placed within the bone and under the gumline. The implant screw is able to hold one or more artificial teeth and is considered to be very esthetically pleasing.
- Subperiosteal implants use implants that extend on the outside of the bone, allowing the prosthetic tooth to be held in place. Patients whose bone structure is not adequate for an Endosteal implant may be candidates for this technique.
- Plate form implants are used mainly on patients whose jawbone is too narrow for the other types of dental implants. These implants are long and flat, fitting within the jawbone.
Immediate load implants are the latest in dental technology, and may, in some patients, be placed and used by the patient immediately after a tooth is extracted. This decreases healing time, but not all patients are good candidates for immediate load implants.
What are Dental Implants Made Of?
With any cosmetic dentistry procedure, it is important that the final result look as natural as possible. Implants are typically made from titanium, which is very strong, lightweight and compatible with natural bone and tissue. The top part of the implant, or implant crown, is typically made from metal or ceramic depending on the location and patient desires. Ceramic or porcelain crowns match the color of natural teeth helping to give as natural a result as possible.
How Many Teeth can be Replaced With Dental Implants?
Due to their flexibility, dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or in some cases, the entire mouth. No matter the circumstance, the goal is to maintain a natural and attractive smile. Summit Dental Care has the experience needed to help you make the right decision for you and guide you in selecting the most appropriate implant for you.