What are Dental Implants?

By January 22, 2014 August 27th, 2015 Dental Implants, Dr. Alan Steiner, perfect smile
Dental implants are used to support one or more artificial teeth and form part of a procedure to bring back your dazzling smile.

Dental implants are often used for filling gaps where teeth have been lost. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and fit into the gap left by your missing teeth. That means they will fit seamlessly into your mouth and be completely unnoticeable once the procedure is complete.

There are two types of dental implant, endosteal and subperiosteal. Endosteal is the most common and involves a titanium screw being inserted into the gap, fastened to the jaw and allowed to heal into the bone. We then add the implant on top. Subperiosteal are used when a standard implant isn’t suitable and involves a metal framework being attached to the jaw.

What Does a Dental Implant Consist Of?

The basis of a dental implant is the titanium rod. It’s essentially a screw that is inserted into a hole we make in the jawbone. At the end of the screw we have the abutment, which the tooth fastens to which completes the implant.

Once inserted properly, the bone will regrow around the screw providing a solid anchor for the new tooth. The benefit of a dental implant is that it mimics how a real tooth is secured into the jaw as much as possible. This enables the bone to regrow without issue and minimizes discomfort when wearing the tooth.

Are There Alternatives to Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the most effective remedy for missing teeth, but they aren’t the only remedy. Alternatives include removable dentures or a bridge. Both of these are viable alternative treatments if you aren’t able to have implants but include some compromises.

Implants are by far the most permanent, invisible, effective treatment for missing teeth, which is why we promote them.

Can Everyone Have Dental Implants?

There are certain conditions and situations where a dental implant is either not possible or not the best procedure to address a particular issue. We can discuss all your treatment options with you at a consultation.

To be considered for an implant procedure, you will need to be over 18 so the jaw bone is fully developed, have otherwise good oral health and have no other untreated oral health condition.

As holistic dentists, we also like them because they are “fit and forget.” Once the procedure is complete and healing has taken place, there is no more treatment necessary for most dental implants.

As long as your oral hygiene regimen is up to scratch and you look after all your teeth, your implant should offer a lifetime’s service. There should be no need for medication, further treatment or any special considerations once an implant has been integrated. It’s one of the reasons we like them so much!

We offer a full range of information and advice on the aftercare of your dental implant if you need it. The general rule of thumb is, if you look after your dental implants as you would your real teeth, you should have no problems. That means brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily or even better yet, water-picking,  and scheduling regular checkups with your friendly dentist.

We canl discuss the treatment, the procedure, the ramifications and the aftercare with you at a consultation.

Contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry today to learn more about dental implants and to schedule an appointment.