Dental Implants - What They Are and What They Do

Dental implants are metal frames or posts that are surgically implanted into the jawbone and used as the base for the positioning and securing of artificial teeth that replace damaged or lost natural ones. Implants have been around since 1952 and are today the standard and most common procedure for the fixing of prosthetic teeth.

Types of Dental Implants

The American Dental Association has approved 2 types of dental implants.

Endosteal Implants

• Endosteal implants are implanted surgically directly into the jawbone. Once the incision made in the surrounding gum tissue has healed, another surgical procedure is done to connect a post to the first implant. The final stage is attaching the tooth (or teeth if multiple prosthetics are required) to the post(s).

Subperiosteal Implants

• Subperiosteal implants use a metal frame that is placed on the jawbone, just below the gum line. As the incision in the gum heals, the frame becomes fixed onto the jawbone. As in the case of endosteal implants, the prosthetic teeth are mounted on posts that form part of the frame.

Who Needs Implants?

• Full or partial dentures are a common choice, but they are inconvenient when they have to be removed from the mouth. Denture scan also impact the sense of taste and the sensory experience that is such a vital part of enjoying food.
• A dental bridge is another option that is cemented in place. The disadvantage here is that it depends on adjacent natural teeth for support and this places an added strain on those natural teeth.
• Permanent dental implants form the third option which do not require removal, are attached to the jawbone and are natural-looking.

Also Read: 5 Things Every Person with Dentures Needs To Know

Your dentist will, after examining you, discuss the options with you and advise you on what would be right for you. Among the factors that will influence the dentist's decision are the health of the gums and the strength of the jawbone. The patient will also need to commit to maintaining a high level of dental care and hygiene which will affect the durability of the implant.

While the main function of dental implants is to replace missing teeth, there are other applications too. Because they are stable, implants may be used to support removable dentures, if the patient requires it. In the case of orthodontics, mini-implants can be used as temporary anchors to help position teeth. Once the teeth are aligned, the implants are removed.

Are Implants Right for You?

Your dentist is the best person to advice and guide you on the tooth replacement procedure that is best for you. Remember that each patient is different and just because your best friend is happy with dentures or a bridge, it does not mean that either of these options are right for you. Fix an appointment with a dentist near you to begin the process of tooth replacement that will be most suitable for you. Contact us at 408-725-1536 or email us at info@hillsdentalgroup.com if you need help.