Dental implants are a great restorative option when you have to have one or several teeth removed. They provide a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth. We’ve put together an introductory guide to implants. If you have questions or want to learn even more, contact our office.
The Parts of a Dental Implant
A dental implant is made up of three separate but equally important parts: The titanium implant, the abutment, and the crown. The titanium implant, or the “post,” is the metal screw that we place inside your jawbone. After a tooth is extracted, we make a hole in your gum and jawbone to accommodate the titanium post. When the healing process begins, the titanium post will literally fuse to your jawbone, creating a stable foundation for the crown.
This connection between the post and the jawbone mimics a natural tooth root. This is why dental implants are the closest and best thing to your natural teeth. After your mouth has healed, the abutment is carefully placed over the part of the post that is exposed above the gum line. Then, we attach the crown, which looks and feels just like your natural tooth!
Why We Love Dental Implants
Dental implants keep your teeth from shifting, prevent deterioration of the jawbone, and restore confidence to those with one or several missing teeth. Not only do dental implants improve your confidence and the functionality of your mouth, but they also provide several oral health benefits, including keeping your jawbone strong. When you have a missing tooth, the jawbone weakens in the spot where the tooth is missing. This can lead to more severe issues down the road, including tooth decay in your other teeth that may have otherwise been healthy.
Plus, replacing a missing tooth, whether with a dental implant or a denture, will stop your teeth from shifting, and this can have an aesthetic benefit as well as a health benefit.
If you’re wondering about replacing one or several of your teeth with dental implants, call our office today to schedule a consultation. We’ll go over your health history as well as specific benefits for your unique situation. We will also discuss the procedure in more detail! Call our friendly team or schedule your consultation online.