What Are Dental Implants And When Are They Used?

Dental implants are artificial roots placed in the jaw, with an artificial tooth atop. Let’s take a closer look at the process.

If you were to get a dental implant, it would start out as a titanium rod. Your dentist, or periodontist will cut open you gum to expose the jaw bone. Once the jaw bone is exposed, a hole is drilled in it as a place for the titanium rod to be placed. The rod is then screwed into the bone. The rod is left slightly rough so that the bone can attach better to it, and bone re-growth will be easier. Then, the gum is stitched back up around the rod. An artificial tooth is placed on top of the rod, and the gums should grow around it. Of course, there is some need for healing and recovery, but once your mouth recovers, and the bone grows around the screw, the tooth can be used just like a natural tooth, is just as effective, and needs the same kind of care.

A dental implant is one of the best ways to replace missing teeth. However, let’s take a closer look at when are dental implants used:

•For missing teeth: because adult teeth, or permanent teeth, do not grow back if they fall out, you have either the option of a gap or hole, or a false tooth. Many people lose teeth for various reasons. Some lose teeth due to accident or injury. Others lose teeth from decay. And, others lose teeth because of gum disease. Dental implants are often used when teeth are missing. They are great for helping dentures anchor better. They are also great for restoring a smile on someone with otherwise healthy teeth, that lost a tooth in an accident, fight, etc.

•To restore a smile: When people have teeth fall out, this may be due to gum disease, maybe they got hit in the face, or took a face dive into pavement. It does not matter how you lost a tooth. The problem is, if you are in need of a dental implant, chances are your smile has suffered. Gaping holes in a smile are never very attractive. Dental implants are an ideal way to restore your smile because no one can tell the difference between them and your real teeth. The look and function like natural teeth, and are secured right in place. So, if you need some restoration for your smile, dental implants are a great option.

•To help with functionality: If you are missing some of your key teeth, it can be very difficult to speak, eat, etc. Some people opt to get dentures or bridgework, but even with these, sometimes speech is slurred, and you can’t eat some of the foods you once enjoyed so much. So, dental implants can be used to help with functionality.

•As a better option than bridge work: Bridgework requires surrounding teeth for support, dental implants simply need a good jaw bone. And, if the jaw bone is lacking, you can still get bone grafts, and make dental implants work.

•As a better option than dentures: dental implants are stronger, do not require any mess pastes or glues, or cleanings, they simply need regular brushing and flossing. They look better, can be used longer, and can handle as much as your natural teeth.