More than 178 million Americans have lost at least one tooth due to tooth decay, periodontal disease, or injury. The treatment options for lost teeth can be bridges, dentures, and dental implants. However, dentures, bridges, or crowns are not always the best solution, and your dentist may recommend a dental implant before more significant consequences arise.
Dental implants feel, look and function like natural teeth and give you back the confident smile you deserve. They can replace single or multiple teeth, providing the same functionality as natural teeth, so you won't have to change how you eat, speak, or smile.
Keep reading to learn more about dental implants and how they work.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal posts or frames surgically placed into your jawbone where teeth have been removed. It is a permanent fixture that replaces the root of your missing tooth. Once the structure is in place, the replacement teeth can be mounted on the top.
A dental implant system comprises three parts: the implant body, the implant abutment, and the abutment fixation screw. The dental implant body is surgically implanted into the jaw bone, replacing the tooth root. The implant abutment is screwed using the abutment screw to the implant body and then passes through the gums to mount the artificial tooth.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
To undergo the dental implant procedure, you must be in good health with healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant.
The process begins by removing the infected or decayed tooth and preparing the area where the implant will be placed. This may involve drilling into your jawbone or placing fillings in other teeth to make room for the implant post. After the post has been placed, the dentist will attach an abutment to it so that a crown can be attached later.
There are mainly two types of implants:
- Endosteal implants - These implants are directly inserted into the jawbone with the help of surgery. After the surrounding area is healed, a second surgery connects a post to the implant, and finally, an artificial tooth is attached to the post.
- Subperiosteal implants - These implants use a metal frame that is placed right below the gum tissue. The posts are attached to the frame that protrudes outside the gum tissues, and artificial teeth are mounted onto the posts. They have a small chance of rejection when placed on top of the jawbone.
After the dental implant procedure, it is essential to follow your dentist's oral hygiene instructions and schedule regular visits to the dentist.
Talking to your dentist about the various aspects of dental implants is essential. Your dentist will assess your overall health, check if you are a good candidate for a dental implant, and analyze how long it will take to heal. It is also necessary to note that smoking might impact the healing process and decrease the implant's life.
Contact Comfort Dental Spa to learn more about dental implants. We use modern technology to provide a thoroughly relaxing and comfortable experience to all our patients. Call us at (248) 306-8533 or click here for more details.