Dental Implants: Replacing a Tooth Root
No other oral restorations are like dental implants when it comes to replacing missing teeth. These are the only solution for missing teeth that replaces the roots of teeth. These roots serve an important purpose, keeping the jaw stimulated and healthy.
When missing teeth are not replaced with dental implants, the person's jaw will begin to deteriorate. This breakdown of bone tissues is caused by a lack of stimulation. It can change the way a person looks and often leads to wrinkles and a sunken look. Wearing dentures or bridges will not prevent this bone breakdown from occurring unless these restorations are connected to implants.
How dental implants work
Dental implants are surgically inserted into a person's jawbone. A local anesthetic is usually administered before the dentist starts the procedure. An incision might be made into the gums to make it easier to reach the jawbone. The dentist makes a hole in the jaw and pushes the implant in. The implant is held in place by the bone tissues around it.
The implant is then given time to fuse with surrounding bone tissues. The process is called osseointegration and makes the implant one with the patient's jawbone. The implant is then fitted with an abutment and a restoration like a crown.
Who needs implants?
Anyone missing one or two teeth should explore implants. These restorations are like real teeth and prevent bone tissue atrophy. Replacing missing teeth with these restorations provides other benefits besides preventing bone tissue loss.
Implants do not require specialized daily cleaning like dentures. Good oral hygiene keeps these restorations in great condition.
Implants prevent the patient's remaining teeth from shifting. This often occurs when a tooth falls out, as the remaining teeth move toward the gap in an attempt to close it. Poor teeth alignment can lead to other dental issues, like tooth decay, down the road.
Implants are durable prosthetics. They can last the rest of the patient's life.
Implants look and feel natural. The restoration feels just like a real tooth in the patient's mouth, and people only see the restoration covering the implant when the wearer opens their mouth.
Implants improve the patient's quality of life. It allows them to get back to how life was before they lost their teeth.
Eligibility for implants
Unfortunately, not all patients qualify for implants. The installation of these restorations requires oral surgery, and some people might not be healthy enough for that. For example, people with diabetes often have a harder time recovering from surgery. A dentist might decide to explore other options if the installation of implants will put the patient's health at risk.
Those who wish to get implants should also have enough bone tissues in their jaw to hold the prosthetic in place. Bone grafts can be performed if the patient lacks the thickness needed.
Explore dental implants with us
Give us a call or visit our Bowie clinic to learn more about how we can replace your missing teeth with implants.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gatewaydental.org or call Gateway Dental Dr. William Swann DDS at (301) 485-7492 for an appointment in our Bowie office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Implants in Bowie, MD.
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