Dental implants are a popular and effective option for replacing missing teeth. They are made of titanium or other materials compatible with the human body and are surgically placed into the jawbone. Once the implant has integrated with the bone, a replacement tooth or bridge is attached, restoring function and appearance. This post will explore the different types of implants available and their respective benefits.
The adept team at Castle Valley Dental of Castle Rock, CO, proudly offers premium dental services, including creating customizable dental implants that are long-lasting and can repair your oral structure, giving you the confidence to enjoy your life.
There are two main types of dental implants: endosteal and subperiosteal.
Endosteal implants are the most common type of dental implant. They are placed directly into the jawbone and consist of a small screw-like post that serves as the new tooth’s root. Endosteal implants can support a single tooth, a bridge, or a complete set of dentures.
Subperiosteal implants are less common and are used when a patient does not have enough bone in their jaw to support an endosteal implant. Instead of being placed in the jawbone, subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum tissue and on the bone.
Dental implants offer several advantages over tooth replacement options, such as dentures and bridges. Some of the benefits of dental implants include the following:
Enhanced aesthetic: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, enhancing the smile’s appearance.
Better integrity: Dental implants function like natural teeth, allowing patients to eat, speak, and chew efficiently.
Improved oral health: Unlike bridges requiring the adjacent teeth to be ground down to support the restoration, dental implants do not affect the surrounding teeth. This helps to maintain the natural tooth structure and improve oral health.
Long-lasting solution: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a long-term and cost-effective tooth replacement option.
The process for getting dental implants typically involves several steps:
During the initial consultation, the dentist will evaluate the patient’s oral health and determine if they are a good candidate for dental implants.
The implant is placed into the jawbone during a surgical procedure. After the implant is placed, a healing period of several months is required to allow the implant to fuse with the bone.
Once the implant has integrated with the bone, a small connector called an abutment is attached. The abutment serves as the connection between the implant and the replacement tooth.
After the abutment is in place, a replacement tooth or bridge is attached to the implant, restoring function and appearance.
Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. Patients should brush, floss regularly, and visit their dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. It is also important to avoid chewing on tough objects, such as ice or hard candy, which can damage the restoration.
Dental implants are a popular and effective option for replacing missing teeth. They offer several advantages over other tooth replacement options and can provide a long-term, cost-effective solution. If you are missing one or more teeth, talk to your dentist to determine if dental implants are the right option. During your next consultation with a skilled team at Castle Valley Dental of Castle Rock, CO, you can be confident that you are obtaining the best care and guidance you deserve.
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