26 Dec How to Determine if Dental Implants are Right for You
Do you have missing teeth? Do you wonder which tooth replacement method is right for you? Today, patients have more options than ever before and wading through these options can seem overwhelming – especially since new tooth replacement methods like dental implants are not as well known as others. Many people ask our team about dental implants – specifically regarding how they work, and whether these types of prosthetics are the best option for their tooth replacement. Finding out if dental implants are right for you involve researching your options and consulting with a dental health professional like an oral surgeon. Following are some facts on dental implants that you might find useful.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are screw-like metal components that are loaded directly into the jawbone to replace the missing roots of teeth. These prosthetics are made from titanium so that they are compatible with the body’s tissues and won’t be rejected as a foreign object. After an implant is embedded into the jawbone, bone mass will fuse around its titanium structure to secure it in place for decades to come.
How do dental implants work?
Common prosthetics like bridges and dentures only replace the visible structures of teeth and rest on top of the gums. The curved shape of the jawbone supports conventional full dentures while bridges and partial dentures anchor to existing biological teeth. Dental implants, however, are rooted in the jaw and then used to support prosthetics that replace the biting surfaces of teeth. For instance, when it comes to replacing a single tooth, a dental implant will replace its roots while a crown attached to the implant completes the tooth replacement process.
Who is a candidate for implants?
The best candidates for dental implants should have adequate bone tissue to support them along with healthy gums. Patients with conditions like advanced periodontal disease or those who smoke might not be eligible for this procedure. The only way to be certain if dental implants meet your needs is to schedule a consultation with a professional.
If you have missing teeth, call us at Charlottesville Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center to reserve your appointment.