What are Dental Implants?
Unlike a crown or bridge, dental implants act as replacements for missing or removed teeth. They provide the same benefits as crowns or bridges but with a stronger foundation due to the jawbone growing around the implant. Dental implants are useful when bridges cannot fit due to an unusual jaw or tooth alignment.
What is the Surgery for Dental Implants Like?
Dental implants are used as replacement teeth, therefore the old tooth must first be removed. The root area will then be cleaned to prevent the possibility of infection. A metal post will then be securely fixed into your jawbone. After the post heals, an intermediary piece, an abutment, will then be screwed onto the metal post and a crown or replacement tooth is then cemented onto the abutment.
How Long Will it Take to Heal?
Due to the nature of the surgery, healing can take up to several months. Your jawbone will begin to fuse with the metal post providing a foundation stronger than any bridge. This fusing of metal and bone also keeps your new tooth from slipping like some alternative forms of replacement teeth, such as dentures.
Are Dental Implants Right For Me?
Dental implants offer a strong and stable replacement tooth for people wanting the best option to replace their tooth. Your implant tooth will not decay like other teeth used as bridge anchors can so it will be functional for the foreseeable future.
Dental implants could be right for you if you are missing a tooth and fit the following criteria:
- Have a fully grown jawbone
- Practice good oral hygiene
- You do not wish to wear dentures
- Have enough bone for the fusing process to take place
- Willing to commit to several months for the procedure and healing process
Even if you don’t fit all the criteria above remember that consulting a dental health professional at Sunrise Dental is your best way to determine if dental implants are right for you. Call to arrange an appointment today. Sunrise Dental has long-term solutions to your short-term dental problems.
