Dental implants can be used to replace any missing tooth, whether it’s an incisor or a molar. A single tooth can be replaced with an implant, or all of your teeth if necessary. Each implant has its own individual root, as well as the visible crown. This means it has several major advantages over other forms of tooth replacement.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Dental implants consist of an artificial tooth root that distinguishes them from traditional dentures. This root is shaped like a screw and is implanted directly in the jawbone. Bone naturally creates a bond with titanium, so implants are made of titanium or a titanium alloy. The bond between the implant and the jawbone encourages the bone to regenerate naturally. With dentures, which sit on the gums, there is no such stimulation, and eventually the jawbone atrophies.
In addition to this important characteristic, implants offer the following advantages:
- They look and feel completely natural
- They are stationary in your mouth
- They don’t require relining or refitting
- They allow you to eat any foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables
Implants can replace any tooth in your mouth or can be used to anchor a removable denture. Traditional implants use an individual root to support a single crown, while implant-supported dentures are usually anchored with four to six implants.
Choosing Dental Implants
If you have any missing teeth, implants are an excellent option for replacement. Even one missing tooth can lead to long-term problems with the rest of your teeth, from malocclusion to temporomandibular joint disorder. With implants, your other teeth will stay in the right place, and you’ll be able to eat healthy foods without worrying about your new teeth becoming dislodged.
Before deciding on implants, you should consult with an implant dentist. Under some circumstances, implants might not be the best choice. An implant requires sufficient bone mass to serve as a foundation, so if you’ve worn dentures for a number of years, you might require bone grafts. In addition, any issue that affects your ability to heal can make it less likely that your implant procedure will be successful.
To pursue your own dental implant options, call our caring team at Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery today!