No one likes the idea of losing a tooth or, worse, a few teeth. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to have your teeth extracted, know that there are several options for restoration that you can choose from. Among those options, dental implants might be the best one for you. After all, they are a proven way to replace teeth permanently!
In this post from Dental House, you are going to learn about the basics of dental implants, so you’ll have an idea of whether or not this is the right restoration solution for you. You’ll also find out if the type of teeth you need matters if you want to get implants.
Dental Implants 101
Implants are surgically “installed” into the jawbone underneath the gums. Their job is to hold the replacement tooth or teeth in place. They are a great option if you need to replace just one tooth, but they can also be used to hold bridges, crowns, or dentures securely in place.
Dental implants not only help restore your smile and your confidence by replacing missing teeth but also help ensure that you maintain the shape of your face by supporting the jaw. However, not everyone is eligible to get implants. The only requirement is for the patient to have sufficient jaw bone that’s healthy.
A dental surgeon will perform the placement of your dental implants. The procedure starts with a thorough examination of your teeth, jaw, and mouth. They will also perform an x-ray to see if implants are an appropriate solution for you. If so, the patient will proceed to the first part of the surgery, where the surgeon will insert the implant into the jaw.
After the procedure, the wound is stitched closed to heal faster, and as it does, the implant will attach itself to the bone and gum. It can take between two and three months to completely heal. Once the wound has completely healed, the surgeon will attach the abutment to the implant.
Finally, the artificial tooth is attached to the abutment. However, keep in mind that it might take a few visits to ensure that the tooth fits perfectly and that there will be no movement.
Can Dental Implants Replace Any Type of Tooth?
Dental implants can be used to replace any type of tooth. Again, the deciding factor is the patient’s jaw bone density. The jaw is the most important consideration because of osseointegration, meaning that the implant needs to be able to bond with the jawbone to make the procedure a success. If the procedure is successful, there will be no problems in the future regarding dental implants.
Keep in mind that dental implants are not specific to just one type of tooth. It is the best option to replace a single tooth, whether that’s a canine, an incisor, a molar, or a premolar. If more than one tooth needs to be replaced, though, you might want to consider other options that are significantly cheaper, like dentures or bridges.
Conclusion
Dental implants are indeed one of the best restoration solutions, no matter which tooth or teeth are missing. However, you need to make sure that this option is suitable for you. A trip to your trusted Waterford dentist will help determine if you have enough bone density to hold an implant. Your dentist will also present you with other options, as well as their pros and cons.
If you decide to getdental implants in Waterford, Dental House can provide you with regular or mini-implants. Contact our knowledgeable staff today to know more about them or get an appointment for a free exam and x-ray to determine if you’re a candidate for implants!