Though many patients have heard of dental implants, even if they haven’t lost any teeth, not all patients realize their importance, or the substantial benefits of replacing lost teeth roots. A traditional dental bridge, partial denture, or complete denture can be crafted to fit nearly all tooth loss patients’ needs, whether they’ve lost one, several, or all of their teeth. As prosthetic teeth roots, dental implants support these dental prostheses, or replacement teeth, with a surgically-inserted foundation that mimics the root-and-crown structure of natural teeth.
Basic Questions About Dental Implants
How are dental implants placed?
A dental implant is a small root-shaped device that is surgically implanted into a patient’s jawbone. The implant is crafted from biocompatible titanium, which the jawbone fuses to as it heals. After 4-6 months, patients are typically ready to receive their crown, partial, or full denture to complete the tooth replacement procedure.
How many teeth can dental implants replace?
Dental implants can replace a single lost tooth, or they can help completely rebuild a smile that’s lost all natural teeth. Depending on each patient’s specific need, we may recommend one, two, or more implants to support the appropriate prosthetic.
Am I a candidate for dental implant placement?
If you’re an adult and you’ve lost a tooth, then you may be a viable candidate for dental implant placement. Your dentist will perform a thorough and comprehensive examination. If dental disease is present, then we’ll prescribe an appropriate course of treatment to restore good oral health. If the jawbone is too weak to support the implants, then we might suggest a bone graft to strengthen the jawbone before placing the prosthetic roots.
