Dental implants are a great option for patients who need a denture or bridge. Generally, this is a great option for those looking for a more comfortable and natural smile. It is important that a person have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. A patient must be committed to keep these structures healthy. Careful oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential to the long-term success of dental implants.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts or frames that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums. An implant serves in the place of a tooth root for your dentist to mount a bridge or replacement teeth.
Why Get a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is often preferred over traditional bridges because it cannot come loose & is more beneficial to general oral heath.
Who is a Candidate for an Implant?
There are a few situations in which a dental implant is not a good choice. A patient must have healthy gums and sufficient bone to support the implant. If a person’s bone is too soft or thin, a bone graft may be required to support an implant. Other considerations are bone height in the upper jaw and how close the sinuses are to the jaw.
Most people are candidates for dental implants.
How do Dental Implants Work?
The types of implants considered to be safe by the American Dental Association are:
- Subperiosteal implants — a metal frame that is fitted onto the jawbone just below the gum tissue. The metal frame becomes fixed to the jawbone as the gums heal. Posts that are attached to the frame protrude through the gums. A patient’s artificial teeth are mounted to the posts.
- Endosteal implants — surgically implanted directly into the jawbone. A second surgery is needed to connect a post to the original implant, after the surrounding gum tissue heals. An artificial tooth (or teeth) is attached to an individual post or a bridge or denture is attached to several posts.
What are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
Stability – Because an implant is fused to the jawbone, artificial teeth are much more stable. The result is that bridges and dentures that are mounted to implants do not slip or shift.
Confidence – because dentures that are attached to an implant are more stable, patients with them are more comfortable speaking and eating. Dentures, bridges, and crowns feel more natural than conventional dental additions.
Comfort – Dentures and bridges often become uncomfortable for patients who have sore spots, poor ridges, or problems gagging.
Less Additional Dental Work – Ordinary brides have to be attached to adjacent teeth, often requiring the dentist grind those teeth to provide proper attachment. Implants eliminate the need for this.
Visit Weninger Dentistry if you believe dental implants are the best option for you and your oral health.