If you have recently lost one or more teeth, you may be considering your tooth replacement options. A traditional bridge can be an excellent choice, and regular dentures also have their advantages. However, most dental professionals around the world would agree that dental implants are the absolute best way to rebuild lost dentition. What exactly are dental implants, and how might they benefit you? Let’s discuss the answers to these questions in this dental implants 101 primer.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are small, screw-like devices that are usually made out of a titanium alloy. Their purpose is to replace the roots of missing teeth. After they are surgically placed into the jawbone, they fuse with the surrounding tissue in a process called osseointegration. Following osseointegration, a crown, bridge, or denture gets attached to them in order to replace the visible portion of the lost teeth.
What Does the Treatment Involve?
The treatment process usually takes several months and requires a number of different procedures. The exact steps involved vary from patient to patient, but here is an overview of how it usually works:
- Your oral surgeon begins to plan your treatment during your consultation.
- After your oral surgeon is certain that your oral and overall health are good enough to accommodate the implants, you undergo implant placement surgery.
- Over a period of a few months, osseointegration takes place.
- Following osseointegration, your dentist designs and attaches your crown, bridge, or denture.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
It’s understandable if you find the prospect of surgery a little intimidating — but there is no need to worry. Once your dental implants and restorations are in place, you will understand firsthand why they come so highly recommended. They offer benefits that other types of tooth replacement cannot offer, including:
- Jawbone preservation. Bone loss in the jaw is a normal consequence of tooth loss, but dental implants can help to keep the jawbone strong and whole.
- Stability. Because the implants bond with the jawbone, the prosthetic teeth they support are incredibly strong.
- Aesthetics and function. Implants and their restorations are so natural-feeling and natural-looking that you might even forget they are there!
How to Get Started with Dental Implants
Now that you know the basics of dental implants, you can do further research. Learn about different dental implant options and the treatment providers in your area. Prepare a list of questions to take with you to your consultation. When you are well-informed about dental implants, you will be in a good position to choose the type of treatment that is best for your circumstances. You may soon be on the road to a completely restored smile!
Meet the Practice
The team at Texas Dental Surgery includes two experienced oral surgeons and a periodontist. They partner with local dentists to provide start to finish dental implant treatment. If you are thinking about replacing your lost teeth, they would be pleased to consult with you. Contact our practice at 469-296-8680 to learn more about how we may be able to serve you.