If you have lost a tooth, you can easily attest to how difficult daily life can be. Without teeth, eating food is cumbersome and speaking properly is difficult. To add further insult to injury, tooth loss leaves us with feelings of inadequacy and self-consciousness. Fortunately, dental implants are a solution to the far-reaching and devastating effects of tooth loss. Since this tooth replacement method is somewhat new to the public, many people have questions about how dental implants work and who makes a good candidate for the procedure. For the most part, those who have healthy gums and adequate bone mass make good candidates for receiving implants. However, there are other factors to consider, too. Patients receiving implants need to commit to proper oral hygiene and routine checkups and cleanings. They should also refrain from tobacco use such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
How do dental implants work?
Dental implants address the lost structure of an entire tooth. First, a titanium post is surgically inserted into the jawbone. Since bone and titanium are biocompatible, bone will fuse around the post so that the implant is stable. This process allows an implant to serve as a tooth’s missing root. After the implant is stabilized, a manmade crown is attached. Crowns replace the visible portion of a tooth and can appear very natural looking if a patient chooses porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal as the materials for a dental crown.
What are some benefits of receiving dental implants?
Since implants are placed in the bone, patients will brush and floss as normal. Unlike dentures, which are taken out nightly for cleaning and soaking, implants are permanently fixed in place. The stability of implants allows for ease of chewing and speaking. Moreover, implants prevent bone deterioration and further tooth loss by supporting neighboring teeth.
To find out if you are a candidate for dental implants, we recommend that you schedule a consultation with our periodontist, Dr. Duval. Call our practice today to schedule an appointment.