Dental Implants
A dental implant is used to replace a missing tooth. An implant helps retain bone and maintain the space of a tooth that was lost. The use of implants allows us to uphold a very esthetically pleasing smile in dentistry. An implant can be used to replace one tooth, many teeth, or too retain your dentures.
Reasons your dentist may recommend a dental implant:
- Replace a missing tooth
- Avoid dentures in the future
- Prevent bone loss that accompanies a missing tooth
- Alternative a bridge
Candidates for dental implants:
- 18 years of age or older
- Patient had non-contributory medical history
- Healthy gum tissue
- No extensive boneloss
Benefits of a dental implant:
As mentioned before a dental implant is most beneficial when compared to any other dental prosthesis because it maintains the bone level in the area. Typically, after loss of a tooth the bone in that are resorbs because there is nothing to hold the bone in place. The dental implant places the role of an artificial root allowing the surrounding bone to maintain its integrity.
Dental Implants are also a great option for patients looking to receive dentures. In this case, not only do the dentures maintain the bone in the area but they serve as retentive features for the dentures. Dentures (most often lower dentures) do not fit right due to resorb bone and flop around making speaking and eating difficult but with implant retained dentures that problem is solved! The denture remains in place during function and provides a cosmetic result.
For patients decided between a dental bridge versus an implant there are several factory that must be considered. Both treatment options result in replacement of a missing tooth. A bridge replaces this missing tooth but capping the two surrounding teeth and attaching a crown to those to replace this missing tooth. An implant on the other hand offers the benefits of: not prepping the surrounding teeth, preventing resorption of bone, and being a longer lasting solution.
Finally, a dental implant can provide a more cosmetic look giving you the confidence you need to share that smile!
Patient Experience
Implants typically require two phase treatment. Phase one of the treatment involves placing the implant in the bone. At this point, the implant is covered and the tissue and surrounding bone are given time to heal. Phase two involves restoring the implant with a dental crown.