Implant dentists restore the appearance, function, and oral health of patients' smiles by replacing missing teeth. What makes implant dentistry unique is the use of dental implants, which are essentially artificial tooth roots that hold replacement teeth securely in the proper permanent position.
Many have heard of implant dentistry but are not entirely familiar with what it is and how it works for replacing tooth roots during the tooth replacement process. This review discusses the basics as they pertain to tooth replacement from an implant dentist.
Implant dentists recommend dental implants for replacing a tooth due to the advantages that treatment can provide over alternative options. One of the reasons dental implants are considered to be better than alternative options such as removable dentures or a fixed bridge is because the implant serves a similar purpose as a natural tooth root, which helps provide a strong and reliable hold for the implant restoration (a dental crown).
Due to the strength of a dental implant and an implant's ability to fuse together with the jawbone, dental implants last much longer on average than alternative treatment solutions. In addition, they are far more damage resistant, allowing patients to chew tough foods effectively without worrying about their implants coming loose. Implant dentistry also helps preserve jawbone density, whereas bone atrophy is more of a concern when choosing alternative tooth replacement restorations. Of course, there are also cosmetic benefits as well, and many people report a much higher level of daily confidence in their smile after implant dentistry.
A dentist will use an implant-supported crown to replace a single missing tooth. There are three components of a dental implant crown, which are the dental implant, abutment, and dental crown. The implant itself is made of metal and looks somewhat similar to a screw. During a minor surgical procedure, it is positioned into the jawbone. The dental crown is typically made of ceramic material, which offers adequate strength and is essentially indistinguishable from a natural tooth. The abutment simply connects the implant and the dental crown together.
The dental implant restoration process involves the preparation of the mouth for the placement of the dental implants. This may involve a bone graft procedure and treatment for periodontitis. The dental implant placement procedure is a form of oral surgery that involves dental sedation.
During the procedure, an incision is made into the gums, and the dental professional drills a small hole in the jawbone; the implant is fixed in the jawbone before the affected area is sterilized and closed. After osseointegration, a process that involves the fusion of the dental implants and the jawbone, the tooth can be permanently replaced with a crown, bridge, or denture.
The following is more information about tooth replacement from an implant dentist.
Although not every patient requires it, a bone graft procedure is often performed before the placement of a dental implant to help ensure there is enough there to support the implant and prevent it from coming loose or not properly fusing together inside of the jaw.
If you have replaced one or more teeth with an implant-supported restoration, then you can care for your new smile by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, along with avoiding the risk of dental trauma and limiting the consumption of sugar and other carbohydrates. To protect the implant itself, it is important to take care of and monitor your periodontal health. Regular check-up visits with the dentist are strongly encouraged for this purpose.
Dental implants should last for more than twenty years without needing to be repaired or replaced. The tooth restoration may not last quite as long, especially if it is made of ceramic material.
We encourage you to call us if you are missing a tooth and want a long-term and reliable tooth replacement solution with implant dentistry. We take pride in helping patients achieve a smile that restores their confidence, ability to function, and oral health. So why wait? Contact us today to start the dental implants process.
Request an appointment here: https://davisanddingle.com or call Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry at (803) 567-1804 for an appointment in our Columbia office.
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