What are Dental Implants?
Replacing missing teeth has been revolutionized by rockwall dental implants texas. An estimated 120 million Americans are missing one or more teeth and over 36 million people are missing all of their teeth. In the past, dentures were a common solution used to replace missing teeth. However, they can be challenging to wear and cause issues with eating and speaking.
Dental implants are an excellent option for replacing missing teeth. They are strong, secure and give the appearance and function of the natural teeth.
A dental implant is a metal post which is typically made from titanium. The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone below the gums. Once the implant has fused to the jawbone and the gums have healed, the dentist will attach the abutment and crown.
Once the implant is surgically placed into the gums, it will fuse to the jawbone over time. This allows the implant act as a strong and secure anchor for the artificial tooth. Implants prevent the artificial tooth from slipping or shifting which is especially important when speaking and eating. This also allows the implant to feel secure and function just like the natural teeth.
Because traditional dentures suction to the gum to stay in, they can cause discomfort, slip and have often have inadequate support. Bridges which are attached to the adjacent teeth can cause damage to the teeth and also fail to stimulate the bone. Another advantage of implants is that the adjacent teeth are not impacted.
For a patient to be a good candidate for implants, they must have healthy gums and sufficient bone structure necessary for supporting the implant. Good oral hygiene is also critical and consists of brushing the teeth twice each day and daily flossing. Patients should also attend routine visits to the dentist for exams and professional cleanings.
Compared to other tooth replacement methods, implants are a more expensive solution. It is also uncommon for insurance to cover the cost of the procedure. The average cost for a single implant ranges from about $4,000 to $4,500 or more.
Dental implants contain three parts:
- Implant: A screw which serves as the artificial tooth’s root. This implant permanently fuses to the jaw.
- Abutment: The device which connects the crown or artificial tooth to the implant. Only a dentist is able to remove the abutment.
- Crown: This is the visible portion of the tooth. It is typically created from zirconium or porcelain.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), there are two different types of implants which are considered to be safe treatment options:
- Endosteal: implants which are surgically placed into the jawbone. Once the surrounding gum tissue has healed, a follow up surgery is required to connect the post to the implant. The artificial tooth is then attached to the implant.
- Subperiosteal: a metal frame is fit to the jawbone below the gums. As the gums heal, the frame fuses to the jawbone. The post, which is attached to the frame, erupts through the gums. The artificial tooth is then mounted to the post.
Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. They can also be used to replace the teeth on the entire upper or lower jaw.