What Are Dental Implants?

What are Dental Implants?

If you have heard of dental implants in passing or do not know anything about these artificial teeth, you are not alone.  Dental implants are a fairly recent advancement in dental technology that replaces missing or damaged teeth with those of the artificial variety.  These artificial teeth look and feel real.  Perhaps more importantly, dental implants allow you to eat food of all different types with ease.  If you are missing one or several teeth or if your teeth are badly damaged, you should consider dental implants.

The Basics of Dental Implants

Dental implants function with small titanium posts.  These posts are surgically positioned in the jaw to function as an anchor.  The dental crown is anchored in place, serving as a strong foundation for the ensuing abutment and cap.  Dental implants placed by an experienced dentist really will resemble regular teeth.  However, it will take some time for the process of osseointegration to occur.  Osseointegration is the gradual connection of the titanium roots with the jawbone.  Ins some cases, it takes upwards of six months for osseointegration to occur.

There is no Reason to Fear the Dental Implant Placement Process

The placement of dental implants is easier than most expect.  This process is quick, harmless and almost always painless.  If you feel discomfort, it will be slight.  The full placement process typically takes about an hour or so to complete. Once the dental implants are in place and have fused with the bone the crown will be attached provided a strong and stable tooth replacement.  Dental implants are by far the most convenient tooth replacement option.

Candidates for Dental Implants

If you are in good health and have ample jawbone, you are a candidate for dental implants.  It is worth noting ample jawbone in and of itself is not enough to qualify someone for dental implants.  The jawbone must be strong so dental implants remain tightly in place as time progresses.  Furthermore, it will help if you have not had a major illness in the recent past. 

Dental Implants are Incredibly Stable

Ask those who have dental implants about this tooth replacement option and you will be inundated with praise.  Dental implants are strong, reliable and stable.  There is no sense bothering with comparably weak and unstable dentures when dental implants are available.  The process of osseointegration described above ensures the titanium roots connect deeply into the jawbone for reliable artificial teeth that withstand the forces of chewing.

Improved Flexibility With Dental Implants

Take a moment to think about how nice it would be to eat whatever food and drinks you want.  Opt for dental implants and your artificial teeth will function similar to natural teeth in that you can chew right through foods of just about every type.  Whether you love peanut brittle, pretzels, nuts, cotton candy, corn on the cob or any other food that is difficult to eat, you will be able to enjoy it with your dental implants in place.

Dental Implant Material

Dental implants are made of titanium.  Titanium is extremely durable.  Referred to as a biocompatible material, it will not react with food or chemicals.  This means your titanium dental implants will prove functional and safe for decades to come.  You can live a completely normal life after the dental implants are placed in your mouth without any concern over particular foods or beverages. 

There is no need to worry about side effects or complications from titanium dental implants.  As long as you take proper care of these artificial teeth, they will have the potential to last your life.  This is precisely why more and more people are opting for dental implants instead of other tooth replacement options that are susceptible to abrasion and require replacement earlier than expected.

Dental Implants Might Even Preserve Your Facial Aesthetic

Once a tooth is lost, the body responds with a process known as resorption.  This process includes bone and tissue loss stemming from improper pressure levels.  Resorption alters the patient aesthetic and subsequently diminishes confidence.  Dental implants are helpful in that they can stop this type of issue from occurring to start with.  Once dental implants are in your mouth, they will create balanced pressure that makes chewing that much easier and safeguards bone and tissue by the tooth.

Dental Implants are Safe

Dental implants are nearly 100 percent safe.  Though there is a very small chance a patient who receives dental implants will eventually develop an infection along the area where the implant was placed, such an occurrence is highly unlikely.  Some patients are worried about the placement of a foreign object in the body.  It is certainly possible bacteria and viruses will target dental implants and create colonies that reduce the immune system's response efficiency.  However, the fear of a foreign body in the mouth should not steer you away from dental implants.  As long as you are healthy and have not had a serious illness in the recent past, you probably won't have any issues with your dental implants. 

You Have the Powers to Maximize the Functionality and Lifespan of Your Dental Implants

Dental implants have the potential to fracture like just about every other oral health solution.  If you grind your teeth, you should be especially cognizant of the possibility that your dental implants will fracture.  Furthermore, smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco can reduce the functionality of your dental implants across posterity.  Refrain from these destructive habits and your dental implants are likely to last that much longer.

Contact Universal Smiles Dentistry

If you are missing one or several teeth or have damaged teeth, do not assume your oral health will not be affected.  Missing and damaged teeth will gradually deteriorate oral health, cause facial sagging and compromise your smile.  Reach out to Universal Smiles Dentistry for more information about dental implants.  You can contact our Orange City location at (386) 775-9933.  If you prefer to visit our Edgewater location, give us a call at (386) 423-3652.  You can also fill out our appointment request form and we will be in touch.