What are Dental Implants?
For many years, dental implants have been a very popular and safe procedure. A dental implant is a post that is placed in the jaw surgically. This post is what is used to attach a prosthetic tooth or teeth. In most cases, dental implants can be inserted in our office, although in certain circumstances, it may require cooperation between our office and a specialist. The specialist will carry out the surgical part of the procedure and the restorative phase is completed at our office.
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
To begin the gum is folded back in order to make space for the implant to be inserted. Next, the dental implant base or anchor is put in position. Then a temporary crown is put on the implant base and the gum tissue is put back in to its position around the implant. To ensure the implant is securely set, it is left alone to heal for several months. Once the implant has had time to fully heal and set in the bone, the temporary crown is removed from the anchor and a post is attached to the anchor. You are now ready for your prosthetic. An impression is taken and the prosthetic (crown, overdenture or bridge) is made and then attached to the implant.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
The only thing that looks more natural than a dental implant is your natural teeth. Apart from aesthetics, one of the most important benefits of dental implants is that they slow the shrinking of the gum and bone tissue from the area where a tooth has been lost, which in turn prevents premature aging.
- Of Americans between the ages of 18 and 64, approximately 49% are missing at least one tooth.
- Dental implants preserve the jawbone, which can prevent premature aging.
- Dental implants are the most advanced tooth replacement system ever devised.
- Dental implants never require root canals.
- More than nine out of ten implants last longer than 15 years.
- Dental implants never develop decay.
- No one can be disqualified for implant treatment solely because of their age — some patients receive implant treatment when they are in their nineties!
