What Are Dental Implants?May 1, 2017
For those who have lost a tooth for whatever reason, it is possible to replace it with a dental implant. An implant is an artificial root replacement that will eventually hold a tooth. The implant is placed in the bone of one’s jaw. After it has healed sufficiently, it will be ready to hold a prosthetic tooth.
In order to have a dental implant installed, you need to see a capable dentist. Placing the implant into the bones of the jaw is a highly technical surgical procedure. The dentist performing the procedure will examine the patients jaw to make sure that there is enough supporting bone to handle an implant. After determining that the patient is a candidate for an implant, the surgical procedure takes place. The implant – most are made of titanium – is placed into the bone and the gums are sewed up around it. Once healed, the tooth, or teeth, can be attached.
Benefits of a Tooth Implant
These days with modern technology, dental implants and teeth can be made to look and feel like real teeth. To the average eye, most cannot tell the difference between a real tooth and an implant. In addition to their appearance, implants can also protect your other teeth. Having an implant helps to prevent bone loss and also any gum recession.
An implant can do wonders for someone’s confidence and can help improve one’s health. Not only will a person improve their appearance with an implant, but having an implant allows a person to eat whenever he or she wants. There is no worrying about dentures and what types of food a person can and can’t eat.
Implants do not rely on surrounding teeth for any support. As a result, the teeth around the implant are less likely to be altered. In the long-term, this is important because your remaining teeth stay strong and look good.