Advancements in technology and prosthetics have given patients more options than ever before for replacing their missing teeth. Dental implants are one of the most popular tooth replacement options available today; and for good reason, they’re incredibly durable and lifelike.
Implants are the ideal tooth replacement solution because they can last for decades, restore oral function, and support the entire oral health system.
How Dental Implants Function
Dental implants are unlike any other prosthetic available because they replace the missing root systems of teeth. Replacing the roots of teeth is accomplished by embedding a titanium post directly into the jawbone. This post is shaped like a cylinder and since it’s made from titanium, bone in the jaw will fuse to it so that it stays in place. Once the implant is stabilized, it can be used to support dental crowns, bridges, and even dentures.
The materials used to construct the restorations or dentures attached to dental implants can look incredibly natural. Crowns and bridges can be constructed from tooth-colored materials like porcelain or porcelain fused to metal, which lend a very lifelike aesthetic as replacement teeth. Dentures are made from a combination of porcelain to duplicate the appearance of teeth and acrylic bases that are tinted to resemble the gingiva.
Benefits of Implant Dentistry
Implant dentistry offers unique advantages to patients when compared to conventional tooth replacement methods like bridges or dentures.
Conventional bridges and dentures only replace the visible surfaces of missing teeth, not the roots. This means that over time, patients can struggle with bone atrophy and their prosthetics moving during oral function. With implants, however, one will not experience movement of their replacement teeth during meals or when speaking.
Bone loss is a common side effect of tooth loss because the jaw at the site of tooth loss lacks stimulation. Since dental implants are loaded into the jawbone, they keep bone active and stimulated. Retaining bone is important for maintaining a youthful appearance and comfortable oral function. Preserving bone helps support existing teeth and other prosthetics, too.
If you are evaluating your tooth replacement options, call our office to reserve a consultation with our implant dentist.
