Dental Implants are artificial structures that a dental surgeon inserts into a person's jaw bone. A person may need implant if they have lost one or more teeth. 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 colour of their teeth. Crowns look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Dental Implants are artificial structures that a dental surgeon inserts into a person's jaw bone. A person may need implant if they have lost one or more teeth. 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 colour of their teeth. Crowns look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Implants have several advantages over dentures, which are removable artificial teeth. Implants :
However, dental implants are not suitable for everyone. The implanting devices must bond with the jawbone, so a person's bones must be healthy before they can undergo implant surgery.
There are two types of dental implant: Endosteal and Subperiosteal.
Endosteal implants are the most common type. A surgeon embeds them in the jawbone, and each can hold one or more artificial teeth.
A surgeon affixes a subperiosteal implant on top of the jawbone. Dental surgeons choose this option for people who do not have much height to their jawbone.
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, around 3 million people in the United States have dental implants, and this number increases by about 500,000 every year.
Dental implant surgery is safe when a qualified and experienced surgeon or dentist performs it. It is also the only dental restoration option that maintains the health of the person's jawbone and stimulates its growth.
Each person is likely to have a different experience of dental implant surgery. Factors that may influence this include :
After a person has undergone dental implant surgery, they must continue to brush and floss their teeth regularly. Artificial teeth require the same care and maintenance as regular teeth.
The surgeon or dentist will also schedule follow-up visits to monitor the implants and make sure that the teeth and gums are healthy. It is important to return to the dentist every 6 months for professional cleanings.
Dental implants are fixtures in the bone that replace missing teeth. Implants have a high success rate and can provide long-term benefits.
Some people need additional procedures to prepare their mouth for dental implants. These will add to the overall cost. The number and type of implants required can also raise the cost.
Anyone considering dental implant surgery should ask their dentist whether it is right for them.