What are Dental Implants and How do They Work?

Nobody likes having a gap in their teeth. If this is the case for you, you’ll need to make sure that the gap is filled. Not only is filling a gap caused by a missing tooth helpful for aesthetic reasons, but it is also extremely important to your overall oral health. One of the best ways to replace a missing tooth is with the help of a dental implant.

What Dental Implants Are

Dental implants mobile alabama are dental appliances that fill a space left over after a tooth has fallen out, been knocked out or has been pulled. The installation of an implant involves a titanium root being inserted into the jawbone, which is then attached to a prothetic tooth.

The Advantages of Implants

Implants are helpful in a variety of ways.

With an implant, you are able to chew and bite down much like you could when you had your natural tooth. Dental implants also help to maintain the structure of the jawbone, and keep your healthy teeth from migrating. With implants, it is easier to ensure better overall oral care, allowing you to brush and floss properly. When your teeth shift or become crowded it can become increasingly difficult to clean them. An implant restoration will prevent the shifting and will allow you to avoid plaque buildup and gum infections that are a result of not being able to properly brush your teeth.

How an Implant Works

Due to the titanium root that is placed in the jawbone, an implant allows for stronger support of an artificial tooth. Because of this additional support, patients that have an implant installed are able to chew and bite with more force than with other dental prosthetic replacement options. The crowns that are attached to implants are more successful over a 20 year span than dental bridges, as dental bridges are more difficult to clean and can result in decay.

The titanium root in an implant is attached to an abutment, which is used to support the prosthetic tooth (or crown) in place. The artificial tooth that is created can be made to appear very similar—if not identical—to your natural teeth.

Am I a Good Candidate for Implants?

While dental implants are ideal, not everyone is a good candidate for implants. In order to have an implant placed, a patient needs a strong enough jawbone to support the titanium root that is installed. If there is bone loss, it is unlikely that the jaw will be able to hold the titanium root properly in place—meaning an implant is no longer an option or that a bone graft may be indicated. Some patients have certain medical conditions that can prevent them from having an implant successfully placed.

If you have a damaged tooth that needs to be removed, or your tooth has been knocked out or has fallen out, speak with your dentist about having a dental implant placed. It will give you an excellent level of support, while also blending in with the rest of your teeth—filling the gap in your teeth and completing your smile.

Contact West Mobile Dental Care

We'd be happy to go over you options with you and find out what the best course of action is. Contact us today, we offer a wide variety of Preventative, Restorative, and Cosmetic Dentistry including dental implants. We're available at (251) 666-3600 or via our online contact.

Looking for more information on the differences between dental implants and dental bridges? Read More Here!