Dental Implants Explained
There are two basic types of dental implants. Subperiosteal and endosteal implants require two surgical procedures to replace your missing teeth. In the first case, the gumline is cut open to make a mold of your jawbone. Sutures are used to close the incision until the second procedure. During the second procedure, the implant is placed in the jawbone. Endosteal implants cannot support the tooth naturally, so the jawbone needs to be molded to support it. People who choose this type of dental implant want to have a faster healing process.
The process of fusion between the dental implant and your jawbone is called osseointegration. In most cases, dental implants are made of titanium, which allows them to fuse with your jawbone and not be recognized as a foreign object. With advances in technology, dental implant placement is now easier than ever, and the success rate is close to 98%. While this success rate is relatively low compared to some other dental implant techniques, it is still far better than the alternative.
Anyone can qualify for dental implants. Patients with missing teeth or missing all of their teeth may qualify. However, if a patient has only lost one or a few teeth, they should consult with a prosthodontist to determine if they are a good candidate. A dentist can determine whether this treatment is right for their specific needs and provide a detailed explanation of how the procedure works. Once a patient is determined to be a good candidate for dental implants, they will begin working on their smile.
Another great benefit of dental implants is that they can prevent bone loss in the jaw. A tooth-supported bridge requires the reduction of nearby teeth. An implant is much easier to clean and can preserve facial contours. Those who opt for dental implants can enjoy the benefits of a new smile, a new confidence, and an improved quality of life. This is why implants are becoming such an important choice for replacing missing teeth. There is no better way to replace a missing tooth than with dental implants.
The process of installing an implant can take several months, and if you have poor jawbone condition, you may need to undergo multiple surgeries. In general, the procedure consists of two surgical procedures. The dental implant metal post is implanted deep into the bone, where it will function as the tooth root. The process can take several months, but you will be able to eat a soft diet after the surgery. As the implant is placed into the jawbone, it gradually bonds with the bone around it, forming a solid foundation for your new teeth.
After the procedure, the bone around the implant heals. This is called osseointegration. This process takes several months and may require several visits. In some cases, it may be possible to have the replacement teeth and the implant placed in one visit. However, this is not always possible. It depends on the severity of the problem and the type of implant. A few patients will need separate crowns and others will have attachments attached to the implant.