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.