What are Dental Implants?
When it comes to missing teeth, dental implants are one option that many people choose. Unlike dentures, that must be taken out and put back in throughout the day, dental implants are permanent. They’re surgically placed in the mouth and fuse into your jaw bone as they heal. Once an implant is healed, only an X-ray would be able to tell that it wasn’t one of your natural teeth. If you’re considering dental implants for your mouth, keep reading to learn more about them.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are just one way to fully replace any lost teeth. Whether you lost a tooth due to an accident or tooth decay, a dental implant lets you replace it in both form and function. It starts with a minor surgery, where your dentist places the “screw†base of your implant firmly into your jawbone. This is the most intensive part of the procedure. Afterward, you need to rest and recover while the bone firms up around your new implant.
The top of your implant is a tooth-shaped screw topper. It does the work of chewing and smiling for you. Because it looks so natural, it helps your smile look bold and full. The chewing surface relieves pressure on the rest of your teeth. When you lose a tooth, all the chewing that it used to do is distributed to the surrounding teeth. This sometimes leads to faster wear and tear, and further tooth problems. An implant takes that stress from your other teeth, allowing you to enjoy them for as long as possible.
What Kind of Dentist Does Implants?
A variety of dentists can perform the dental implant process, including some general dentists. Most general dentists possess the training needed to place dental implants. However, their experience level and comfort with the process may vary. Some may feel comfortable providing implants in typical cases but may refer you to a specialist, especially for more complex cases. If you’re considering a dental implant, start with your general dentist, they may be able to help. If not, they’ll help you find the right specialist such as an oral surgeon, prosthodontist, or periodontist.
What are Dental Implants Made Of?
Dental implants work because of the materials used to make them. There are two halves of the dental implant, and each is made of a different material. The first half is the screw. This is almost always made of titanium. Titanium is considered a biocompatible metal that allows the implant to eventually fuse with your bones. This provides a stable foundation for your tooth, as long as you maintain your jaw health.
The top half of your dental implant, the portion shaped like a tooth, is made of many different substances. Resin and porcelain are among the most popular. Both of these substances can be custom treated to make them the same color as the rest of your teeth. This allows you to keep a natural smile. Because it looks so natural, it would take a dentist or an X-ray to show that your tooth is a dental implant.
Dental implants are a great way to restore the look and function of your mouth. With a dental implant, you gain a permanent replacement for your missing tooth. Best of all, it looks and acts like the real thing. Call our office today at (559) 732-3972, and ask about dental implants.