Tooth Replacement: Dental Implants Offer a Long-term Permanent Solution

If you have lost a tooth, you can probably attest to the fact that traditional prosthetics require frequent replacement. One major reason for the short-term lifespan of traditional prosthetic teeth is bone atrophy. When a tooth is lost, its roots are no longer in the jawbone. Without the roots of teeth or a replacement structure, the body will begin to reabsorb bone mass. Losing bone, over time, will not only change the shape of the mouth, but it will affect the longevity of prosthetics like bridges or crowns.

Fortunately, dental implants are a solution that increases the lifespan of prosthetics. If you have lost one or more teeth, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our oral surgeon to see if implants are the right tooth replacement method for you.

How Dental Implants Work

Made from titanium, a dental implant is a ridged post that is surgically loaded into the jawbone. Placed where a tooth’s roots once were, an implant will prevent the body from reabsorbing bone mass. In fact, the body recognizes titanium as a biocompatible structure and will actually fuse to the titanium post over time. The process of bone fusing to metal will prevent bone atrophy and offer a very stable, long lasting base for a prosthetic tooth.

Implants can act as pillars and anchors for custom made prosthetics. This tooth replacement method can be used for single tooth restoration or a series of implants can be used to replace many lost teeth. An implant will basically act as a substitute for the root of a tooth.

Once an implant is stabilized, a patient will then receive their permanent prosthetic. A prosthetic will replace the visible structure of teeth. Custom made prosthetics like crowns and bridges will perfectly fit between existing teeth and be permanently attached to an abutment on the implant. Once the prosthetic is attached, patients can eat a variety of foods with ease and enjoy a durable, long lasting replacement tooth.

To learn more about dental implants, call Charlottesville Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center to reserve an appointment with our oral surgeon, Dr. Ibanez.