Dental implants provide something no other prosthetic can: a replacement for the roots of missing teeth. Other tooth replacement options such as conventional bridges and dentures only address the loss of visible tooth structure. Implant dentistry gives patients an opportunity to replace all of a tooth’s missing structures – starting with their roots.
Implant dentistry has changed the way oral health professionals and patients look at tooth loss. With dental implants, our patients enjoy an unprecedented improvement in oral function with long-lasting prosthetics.
Fairlawn Periodontics offers consultations for those reviewing their tooth replacement options. We offer single and multiple-tooth replacement.
How Implant Dentistry Works
A dental implant is a titanium structure used to replace the missing roots of teeth. These small, screw-like components are embedded into the jawbone through a surgical procedure. Titanium is beneficial because bone fuses to it the same way it would fuse to mineralized tissue like the roots of teeth. The process of bone fusing to a dental implant is imperative for an implant’s stabilization. Bone will hold the implant in place so that it can support restorations like crowns or prosthetics like bridges and dentures.
While the implant replaces the roots of teeth, the restoration or prosthetic attached to it will replace the visible structures of teeth. Implants can hold dental crowns, bridges, and dentures – all of which are used to replace the biting surfaces of teeth.
Restorations attached to dental implants will not move during oral function. This means that patients can enjoy very stable biting and chewing function. Crowns, bridges, and dentures look incredibly lifelike since they are made from tooth-colored materials like porcelain. Restorations and prosthetics are custom-made so that they look and feel natural.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants present unique advantages when compared to conventional tooth replacement methods. The implant will keep bone active and stimulated so that patients experience less bone deterioration after tooth loss.
Since dental implants replace the roots of teeth and are held in place by bone, they provide the most lifelike and durable restoration of oral function available. Another advantage of dental implants is the fact that they look and feel natural. Unlike other prosthetic teeth, dental implants do not require special cleaners or hygiene tools. Implants and their restorations/prosthetics are cleaned the same way as biological teeth – with brushing and flossing.
If you have questions about implant dentistry, we recommend calling our practice to reserve a consultation. Our team has extensive experience in replacing lost teeth with dental implants. Your consultation is a great time to ask questions and address concerns.
Common Implant Applications
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a titanium component that is used as a prosthetic. Implants are embedded into the jawbone and will essentially function like the root system of a tooth.
Over time, the bone around the implantation site will fuse to its titanium structure. The process of bone fusing to titanium (osseointegration) is necessary for keeping the implant stable. It’s also necessary because an implant will hold a restoration or prosthetic that fills in the missing structures of visible teeth.
Restorations and prosthetics like dentures, bridges, and crowns are attached to dental implants to complete the tooth replacement process. These restorations and prosthetics, when held in place by dental implants, provide improved oral function when compared to alternative tooth replacement methods.
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Life without teeth is cumbersome. Receiving dental implants is life-changing for most people. We recommend scheduling a consultation with our periodontist if you are considering dental implants. A consultation is necessary for determining candidacy for implant dentistry.
Candidates for dental implants should have relatively good oral health and adequate jawbone tissue, as well as commit to receiving routine care such as checkups and cleanings. Certain health conditions like periodontal disease or diabetes could affect a person’s candidacy for dental implants.
A dental implants consultation involves discussing your oral health and general health history with our team. We will perform a thorough examination to evaluate the health of oral structures like the jaw bones and gums – both of which support dental implants and biological teeth. After your consultation, our periodontist will be able to determine the best course of action for your situation.
How many teeth can be replaced with dental implants?
Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or for multiple tooth replacement. A single missing tooth can be replaced with a dental implant and a dental crown whereas multiple teeth can be replaced with bridges and/or dentures attached to several dental implants.
Those in need of one replacement tooth will have a dental crown attached to their implant. The dental crown will replace the visible structure of a natural tooth with a tooth-shaped custom restoration.
When it comes to multiple tooth replacement, however, a few dental implants will need to be placed to support a prosthetic like a bridge or denture. Dental implants are spaced apart in very strategic locations so that they can support the weight of prosthetic teeth and the forces associated with oral function.
How much do implants cost?
Costs associated with dental implants can vary depending on a person’s unique situation. A person’s tooth replacement needs could dictate a treatment plan that includes tooth extractions, grafting procedures, and multiple dental implants – all of these procedures affect the cost of treatment.
If you have questions about cost, we recommend consulting with a member of our team after you have had a consultation with our periodontist. We can project more accurate estimates based on our doctor’s treatment recommendations.
