Dental Implants
Dental implant surgery is a process that replaces tooth roots with metal posts that look like screws and replaces damaged or missing teeth with fake teeth that look and work a lot like real ones. Dental implant surgery can be an excellent alternative to dentures or bridgework that don’t fit well. It can also be a good choice when there aren’t enough natural tooth roots to make dentures or bridgework. When a person loses a tooth because of an accident or illness, they may have problems like fast bone loss, trouble speaking, or painful changes in the way they chew. When a person loses a tooth, putting in a dental implant can make a big difference in their health and quality of life.
Dental implant systems have a dental implant body, a dental implant abutment, and sometimes an abutment anchoring screw. The body of the dental implant is carefully placed in the jawbone where the tooth root used to be. Most of the time, the abutment screw connects the abutment to the implant body. The abutment goes through the gums and into the mouth to support the artificial teeth connected to it.
Benefits of Dental Implants:
- Restores the ability to chew.
- Restores cosmetic appearance.
- Helps keep the jawbone from shrinking due to bone loss.
- Preserves the health of the surrounding bone and gums.
- Helps keep adjacent (nearby) teeth stable.
- Improves quality of life.
It is important to note that only some people are suitable for a dental implant. Factors such as general oral health, jaw density, and medical history are considered in the evaluation process. If you are considering dental implants, it is best to consult with a qualified dentist or oral surgeon to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.