Are you missing a tooth? If so, ask your dentist whether you may be a candidate for dental implants.
A dental implant is a false tooth that mimics both the appearance and function of a patient’s natural teeth. The following overview will provide you with more detailed information about what dental implants are and how they might restore your smile.
What is a Dental Implant?
A traditional dental implant consists primarily of the following three components:
- A titanium rod
- An abutment
- A restoration
The dental implant procedure involves these steps:
- Evaluating the condition of a patient’s teeth and overall oral health to determine if they’re a candidate for dental implant treatment
- Inserting the titanium rod into a patient’s jawbone and waiting for it to fuse with the jawbone
- Attaching an abutment to the titanium rod
- Completing the treatment by attaching a restoration that resembles a real tooth
A dentist will typically ask a patient to schedule follow-up appointments after completing treatment. The purpose of these appointments is to confirm there are no complications and the treatment was successful.
Dental Implants: A Note on Bone Grafting
After the initial evaluation, a dentist might find that a patient lacks the jawbone strength needed to support a dental implant. In these circumstances, it’s not always the case that a patient isn’t a candidate for dental implant treatment.
A patient whose jawbone can’t support an implant may be a good candidate for bone grafting. During the bone grafting procedure, a surgeon will apply extra bone tissue to a patient’s jawbone. Doing so may strengthen the jawbone so that a patient can move forward with dental implant treatment.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants work in very much the same way as natural teeth. Once the implant fuses with a patient’s jawbone and the dentist installs the abutment and restoration, a dental implant will function and feel almost exactly the same as a real tooth.
That’s just one of the major benefits dental implants offer. Durability is another one. According to a study in the journal Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research, with proper care, approximately 94% of dental implants remain in good condition after 15 years.
Maintaining a dental implant is also relatively easy. Unlike other false teeth, such as dentures, which a patient may need to regularly remove and clean, taking care of a dental implant involves staying on top of oral hygiene and seeing a dentist on a regular basis. A dental implant is very similar to a natural tooth in this way as well.
Speak With Your Dentist About Dental Implants
Dental implant treatment isn’t the ideal treatment option for all patients. If you’re missing a tooth, the best way to learn more about replacing it is to consult with a dentist. They can explain your options and help you choose the right treatment method for your needs.
Learn More About Dental Implants in Kingston, Ontario
We are here if you need oral surgery care in Manhattan's Upper West Side. Please call our office at 212-466-6984 to discuss our services and schedule a consultation.