What Are Dental Implants and Are They Right for You?

Although many are unaware of the potential health consequences, losing a tooth might make you feel self-conscious whenever you smile. 

Numerous solutions exist to restore your smile and safeguard your oral health in the event that you are missing a tooth or teeth. Dental implants, which entail screwing metal replacement teeth, bridges, or dentures into the jawbone, are the most common type of restoration. 

NE Philly dental implants are a great alternative to removable bridges or dentures because they look natural and stay put whether you eat or speak. Additionally, unlike conventional bridges, they do not necessitate the filing down of the neighboring teeth.

What are Dental Implants?

One way to restore missing teeth is with a dental implant. Both the crown and the root are components of a natural tooth. The crown is the part that shows through and is coated in white enamel. The tooth root penetrates the jawbone and provides structural support for the dental crown. When you have an implant, it essentially replaces the tooth’s root. For most dental implants, the three-part assembly consists of the following: the implant device, which is surgically implanted into the jawbone; the abutment, which links the implant device to the denture or crown that rests on top of it; and finally, the implant device itself.

How do dental implants work?

Endosteal and subperiosteal dental implants are the two varieties that have received official approval. 

Your jaw bone is surgically implanted with an endosteal implant. After a brief recovery time, a titanium post is attached to the implant. The tooth, bridge, or denture is attached to the post after the implant fuses with the jaw bone, which occurs while the gum tissue heals. 

A metal framework incorporating the post secures a subperiosteal implant to the jawbone right beneath the gum line. While the gums recover and the implant integrates with the jaw bone, the post will protrude through them. The tooth is affixed once the tissue has fully healed. 

Depending on the specific implant you get, the entire procedure could take anywhere from two to four months. If you’re missing numerous teeth, you might have to have a post for each one. However, if the teeth are close together, it’s possible that a single post can hold all of your teeth. 

How do I know if dental implants are a good option?

If you are missing a tooth or many teeth, need a bridge replaced, have dentures that slip, click, or restrict your food choices, or are in agony or discomfort due to a missing tooth, dental implants may be an excellent alternative for you.

Conclusion

Implant treatment times are quite subjective and dependent on a wide range of personal variables. Steps in the process include:

  • Pre-op planning and evaluation.
  • Actual implant placement during surgery.
  • Recovery.
  • Restoration placement.

Depending on the patient, the total treatment time can be anything from a few months to a year after implant placement, or it can begin immediately following tooth extraction. It typically takes more time for more complicated procedures. The ideal course of treatment is best decided after a consultation with the dentist, who will need to review your medical history, dental records, and current state of health. 

Talking to a dentist is the best approach to finding out if dental implants are the right choice for your treatment. During the consultation appointment, the dentist will ask about your present oral health, past dental work, and any medical conditions you may have. When considering treatment, it’s a good idea to consult with a dental care expert, like a general dentist or prosthodontist, to discuss any concerns or needs.