An Introduction To Dental Implants

It's been said that a smile is the prettiest thing you could wear; however, if you are missing teeth, you probably feel like your smile isn't so pretty. Instead of feeling self conscious about your smile and hiding it, there is a way that you could improve it. How? With dental implants.

Dental Implants: What are They?

A dental implant involves replacing the root of a missing or damaged tooth. The root is the foundation of a tooth, as it secures the tooth to the gums. During this procedure, a titanium post is secured to the socket of the missing tooth, creating a permanent foundation which a fixed or a removable replacement tooth can be attached to.

Types of Dental Implants

There are two different types of dental implants:

• Endosteal implants: These implants are attached directly to the jawbone and usually consist of screws, plates or cylinders. When the gums heal and the implant has fused to the jawbone, another procedure is done to attach a post to the implant and then an artificial tooth or teeth are attached to the post. These replacement teeth can be attached individually , or several can be attached in a group on a bridge.
• Subperiosteal implants: These implants are placed underneath the gum rather than being attached to the jawbone. Once the implant is set in place, metal posts stick out through the gum and are used to hold the replacement tooth in place. If you have a shallow jawbone, you will likely receive this type of implant.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

As with all surgical cosmetic procedures, you do need to meet certain requirements in order to receive dental implants. These requirements include:

• Overall healthy gums
• You have enough bone density in your jaw to support the implant
• You are willing to commit to the upkeep that is required to keep the implants in good condition
• You do not smoke, or you are willing to give up smoking during the dental implant process

Types of Dental Implant Treatment Plans

Your dentist and periodontist will work with you to come up with a customized treatment plan that will meet your specific needs. Some of the most common dental implant treatment plans include:

• The replacement of one tooth
• The replacement of a group of teeth
• The replacement of all of your teeth
• Sinus augmentation, which will improve the amount and the strength of the jawbone. A sinus augmentation raises the sinus floor, thus creating bone for the dental implant to be secured to.

Dental implants can restore your smile, your confidence and your overall quality of life. Talk to your dentist to find out if they are an option for you. 

To learn more about dental implants, contact a dental clinic like Great Plains Oral Surgery And Implant Center. 

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