Dental Implants And How They Support Your Dental Health
Posted on: 5 November 2019
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If you have lost a tooth, you may get a dental implant to help replace it. Here is a bit of information about implants and how they can support your dental health.
What Does a Dental Implant Look Like?
A dental implant is a metal device that resembles a small screw or rod. The dentist selects the specific size and diameter of the device based on the structure of the patient's oral cavity and the location of the tooth in the mouth.
Titanium metal is used to construct an implant. The metal does not incite a negative reaction or immunological response from the body when the implant is placed.
Are There Multiple Types of Implants?
Although traditional dental implants are often used, there are also other types of implants. A miniature implant is smaller than a traditional implant and requires less bone material for placement. A zygomatic implant is longer than a traditional implant because it must reach the cheekbones for placement.
What Portions of a Tooth Does an Implant Replace?
An implant does not replace the crown of a lost tooth. Instead, it only replaces the dental roots. The portion of the tooth that is normally visible in the mouth must be replaced by a different device, such as a dental crown or bridge.
How Long Does a Traditional Implant-Based Restoration Take?
The actual insertion of the dental implant only takes minutes. The dentist makes an incision into the gingival tissues and inserts the implant through the gums into the jawbone. However, once the implant is in position, it must undergo a healing process before it can be topped with another device.
The healing process, which is called osseointegration, transpires over the course of several months. During this period, the bone of the jaw connects with the implant, making it secure in its position.
How Does an Implant Support Your Dental Health?
A dental implant supports the maintenance of a healthy jawbone. The device transfers stimulating bite force to the jawbone as you chew, encouraging the development of new bone cells. As a result, the jawbone is less likely to atrophy near the site of an implant.
Additionally, the placement of a dental implant does not require the dentist to alter other healthy teeth as some other tooth-replacement applications, such as dental bridges, do. A dental implant also prevents the migration of adjacent teeth from their proper positions.
For more information about dental implants, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area, such as Kyle J Frisinger DMD.