Dental Implants

A dental implant is a structure that replaces a missing tooth. With screw-like devices, the surgeon inserts an implant into the jawbone, and it acts as an anchor for an artificial tooth, called a crown.

A device called an abutment connects the artificial tooth to the dental implant.

The crown is custom-made to fit the person’s mouth and match the color of their teeth. Crowns look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

Implants have several advantagesTrusted Source over dentures, which are removable artificial teeth. Implants:

• are more natural and comfortable
• have a higher success rate
• improve chewing function
• lead to a lower risk of cavities developing in nearby teeth
• lead to better maintenance of bone at the site of the lost tooth
• cause decreased sensitivity in nearby teeth
• do not need to be taken out and cleaned every night

Why would you need a dental implant?

Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth. several teeth. or all of the teeth. The goal of teeth replacement in dentistry is to restore function as well as esthetics.
When it comes to tooth replacement. generally there are three options:

1. removable dental appliance (complete denture or partial denture)
2. a fixed dental bridge (cemented), and
3. dental implant.

Dentures are the more affordable option for replacement teeth but are the least desirable because of the inconvenience of a removable appliance in the mouth. Furthermore. dentures can affect one's taste and sensory experience with food.

Dental bridgework was the more common restorative option prior to the relatively recent shift to dental implant treatment. The main disadvantage to bridgework is the dependence on existing natural teeth for support. Implants are supported by bone only and do not affect surrounding natural teeth. Deciding on which option to choose depends on many factors. Specifically for dental implants, these factors include

• location of missing teeth or teeth,
• quantity and quality of the jawbone where the dental implant is to be placed.
• the health of the patient,
• cost, and
• patient preference.

A dental surgeon examines the area to be considered for the dental implant and makes a clinical assessment of whether the patient is a good candidate for a dental implant.
There are great advantages to choosing a dental implant for tooth replacement Over the other options. Dental implants are conservative in that missing teeth can be replaced without affecting or altering the adjacent teeth. Furthermore, because dental implants integrate into the bone structure,. they are very stable and can have the look and feel of one's own natural teeth.